NXT 3/30/10

NXT opens with a replay of some of the major events from the previous weeks of NXT and outlining the 4 factors being taken into account in the voting for rookies. Matt Striker is in the ring and he announces that for the first time ever they will reveal the Pro’s Poll. He brings the rookies out to the ring. Striker repeats the criteria:

1. Win – Loss Record
2. The quality of the opponent
3. Their dedication
4. The It Factor.

They reveal the results of the Pro’s Poll

8. Darren Young
7. Michael Tarver
6. Skip Sheffield
5. David Otunga
4. Heath Slater
3. Justin Gabriel
2. Wade Barrett
And that leaves Daniel Bryan in the #1 slot.

Striker asks Darren Young his thoughts and he says what this says to him is that he needs to step it up. Striker talks to Daniel Bryan who says he knows his win – loss record probably isn’t the best and that Michael Cole keeps telling people that he doesn’t have the It Factor, but there are a lot of guys who look like superstars, but can’t wrestle. Bryan and David Otunga have some words and Otunga says he has more charisma than anybody in the ring. Striker says that in 6 weeks time, the Pros will vote again and starting then, each week, a rookie will be eliminated. The winner will be the WWE’s Breakout star and will receive a championship match at any pay-per-view against a champion of their choosing. He then announces the main event tonight will be a battle royal with the winner host Monday Night RAW next week.

The RAW Pros vs. The SmackDown Pros in an 8 man tag Match. Christian, William Regal, Carlito, and The Miz vs. Chris Jericho, CM Punk, Matt Hardy, and R-Truth. Jericho says that he will not be competing because Edge speared him through the barricade and that Wade Barrett will be taking his place in the match. R-Truth starts it off with a big punch to Carlito. Truth hits a couple of hip tosses and an armbar type move. Truth tags in Punk who continues the attack on the arm. Carlito is able to fight back with a series of kicks on Punk, and tags in Regal. Regal asks Punk to tag in Wade Barrett. Regal shakes Barrett’s hand, then tags in Christian. Christian seems to have an advantage early, but Barrett soon takes control with a series of powerful attacks. Christian fights back and catches Christian with a sunset flip, but Barrett kicks out after 2. Barrett tags in Hardy and Christian tags in Miz. Hardy takes control of the match. Hardy and Miz fight in the corner, and both end up outside the ring. NXT returns from a break with Hardy in the ring with Carlito. Hardy starts to fight back, but Carlito gets him into the corner and tags in Miz. Miz gets Hardy in a sleeper, but Hardy counters with a jawbreaker. Hardy gets the tag and R-Truth goes off. He hits a series of great moves, but gets cause with an inverted ddt backbreaker followed by a neckbreaker. He goes for a cover, but Punk comes in. Miz makes the tag to Regal. Regal beats down Truth in one corner, and then sends him into the other. He drags Truth to his corner and tags in Carlito who gets him in a chin lock. Truth tries to fight back, but Carlito catches him with a dropkick. Christian is tagged in, and he gets Truth in a chin lock. Christian tags in Regal. Regal hits a series of knees and a double underhook suplex. Regal pulls him back into the corner where he tags in Miz. Miz goes for a cover after a suplex, but only gets a 2 count. Truth tries to fight out, but Miz keeps control. Miz hits his corner clothesline and goes for a double axe handle, but Truth counters with a dropkick. Truth tags in Punk and Miz tags in Christian. Christian goes right after Punk and gets control. Series of counters from the two looking for their signatures and finishers. Christian is able to get control and hit a missile dropkick, but Barrett breaks up the count. Carlito comes in and tosses Barrett out of the ring. Hardy hits the Twist of Fate on Carlito, Regal hits a T-Bone type suplex on Hardy, Truth hits a kick on Regal and sends Miz flying over the top rope. Miz goes after him. Barrett tags himself in, but gets caught by Christian. Jericho interferes by grabbing Christian’s legs while Punk distracts the ref. Barrett picks up Christian and hits him with his finisher. Barrett covers Christian for the 3 count to win the match.

Move of the Match: A lot of good moves in this match, including a series of moves from the pros on one another. Although Barrett’s finisher is nice, I just don’t see it as being as effective as they make it seem. I think I’m going to call Christian’s Missile Dropkick the Move of the Match, because it was at least as good if not better than his usual missile dropkicks, and was quite the impressive move.

They play a video recapping Shawn’s goodbye to the WWE.

8 man battle royal, winner gets to host RAW next week. The other 7 NXT rookies team up and throw Barrett out immediately after the match starts. We return from the break with Darren Young outside the ring. They then show us that Skip Sheffield was eliminated prior to Darren Young. Bryan takes out Tarver, but when Slater tries to take Bryan out, both men go over the top rope, and both men are eliminated. Justin Gabriel and David Otunga are left. Otunga takes control of the match. He hits a series of shoulder tackles in the corner. Gabriel fights back with a series of kicks that includes an enzuigiri. Gabriel seems the opportunity and climbs to the top rope. He hits the 450 splash, but he can’t get Otunga up and over the rope. He finally gets him up and tries to lift him up, but Otunga strikes Gabriel in the face (may possibly have raked the eye). Otunga then tosses Gabriel out of the ring to win the match.

Move of the Match: Without a doubt, this has to go to the 450 Splash. This is one of the most impressive moves ever to be performed in the WWE, and I’m glad someone is using it once again.

Striker comes into the ring. Otunga says he is Mr. NXT. Otunga says everything is going to be A-List and Top Notch at RAW. He also says he’d like 487 Green M&M’s in his dressing room.

RAW 3/29/10

RAW opens with highlights of Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania.

Batista makes his way out to the ring. Batista says he knows all the people are expecting him to complain about what happened at Wrestlemania, but he’s not going to give them the satisfaction. Batista says the match was a fluke. Batista says he’s entitled to a rematch and he doesn’t care what happened at Wrestlemania, John Cena can’t beat him. Cena comes out at this point and makes his way to the ring. Cena says that at Wrestlemania, “John Cena DID beat Batista.” Batista says no one will forget Wrestlemania. Cena offers Batista a rematch for the WWE Championship. Batista says “Not tonight” and tries for a cheap shot, but Cena fights back and sends Batista out of the ring. Swagger jumps Cena from behind and beats him down with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Swagger says he’s gonna cash in his contract. Before the referee can start the match, Cena almost gets him in the STF and Swagger runs deciding not to cash in the contract at this time.

It looks like we’ll be seeing highlights of Shawn Michaels’ career throughout the night. We start with June 18, 1988, the debut of the Rockers and Shawn Michaels’ first WWE match.

They highlight the Wrestlemania triple threat. The Million Dollar Man makes his way to the ring with some of the other legends (Nick Bockwinkle, Arn Anderson, Irwin R. Schyster, and Pat Patterson). They are followed out by a second group of legends led by Rowdy Roddy Piper (the others are Sgt. Slaughter, Tony Garea, and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat). King goes to join the legends around the ringside. The guest host from Hot Tub Time Machine make their way out to the ramp. They announce Batista and Jack Swagger vs. John Cena and a partner of his choosing. They announce that in honor of their movie where they travel back in time, this match will be a Legend’s Lumberjack Match.

The competitors in the match are Christian and his opponent Ted DiBiase. RAW returns with the match in action. Christian catches DiBiase with a sunset flip for a 2 count. DiBiase goes after him and gets thrown out of the ring. The lumberjacks do their job and throw him back in. DiBiase catches Christian with his big clothesline and covers for a 2 count. A few shots from DiBiase in the corner, but Christian follows up with a quick punch and goes for a tornado ddt. DiBiase counters the ddt and slams Christian to the mat. DiBiase kicks him and covers for another 2 count. Christian gets some offense in and this time dodges DiBiase’s clothesline, hitting him with an inverted ddt. Christian covers for 2, and then hits the missile dropkick for another 2 count. Christian goes back up, but DiBiase pulls him off the ropes and slams him down. DiBiase goes for Dream Street, but Christian backs him into the corner. DiBiase tries to gain control, but Christian hits his slingshot kick followed by the flying European uppercut. Christian goes for the Killswitch, but DiBiase stops him and clotheslines him out of the ring. The legends throw both men back into the ring, but start fighting with each other. Christian is able to hit a distracted DiBiase with the Killswitch to win the match.

Move of the Match: Christian’s Killswitch is always impressive and I’m calling it the Move of the Match.

After the match, Ted’s father tries to console him, but Ted pushes his dad away and walks out.

We see another flashback to Shawn’s career, this time to January 11, 1992, the date when the Rockers broke up.

They highlight the events of Wrestlemania week.

Backstage, the guest hosts are with some of the divas and join them in a hot tub.

Triple H makes his way out to the stage. He says it’s kind of a surreal night because he never thought it would end this way for Shawn. Triple H starts talking about meeting Shawn Michaels and some of the times they had together. Triple H says they’ve always fought “for each other and with each other.” He says he wanted to come out before everything else started and say that there’s something he’s always wanted to say to Shawn. Before he can say what it is, Sheamus comes out and nails him with a pipe.

Divas are having a Wrestlemania rematch. Gail Kim, Mickie James, Eve Torres, Beth Phoenix and Kelly Kelly vs. Alicia Fox, Vickie Guerrero, Layla, Michelle McCool and Maryse. Maryse and Eve start off. Maryse taunts Eve, and Eve rolls her up from behind for the 3 count and the win. Vickie gets mad and yells at the faces, not realizing her team is arguing on the outside. The faces go after her, but she escapes. The heels get in the ring, but the faces toss them out.

Back to Shawn’s career, this time it’s Wrestlemania X in 1994. The first Wrestlemania ladder match with Razor Ramon taking on Shawn Michaels.

We follow the break with yet another flashback. Wrestlemania XII, 1996, Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels in a 60 Minute Iron Man Match.

Bret Hart comes out to the ring. Bret says he wants to congratulate Shawn on his career and that Shawn was one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Bret says he finally found the closure he was looking for. Bret says the entire Hart Family beat Vince. He talks about those members of the family who have passed away and says he can feel them sending wave of high fives from Heaven. Bret says it’s been a great ride and thanks the fans. While Bret is still in the ring, ShoMiz comes out. Miz questions Bret being proud and calls him a thief. He says Bret coming back has robbed him of his time. Miz brags that he won his very first Wrestlemania match last night. Miz calls Bret overrated. He says Bret’s entire family (including his dad) is overrated. Miz tells Bret to get out of his ring and Bret responds, “If you want me to leave, why don’t you make me.” Big Show steps forward and the Hart Dynasty comes out to the ring to back up Bret. ShoMiz leaves the ring, and then Bret challenges ShoMiz to take on the Hart Dynasty in a match. Show says now is not the time, while Miz says they should go for it.

We return to RAW with ShoMiz vs. The Hart Dynasty in action. We see Miz up in a delayed suplex, and David Hart Smith drops him just after we return. Miz wants a tag, but Smith stops him and clotheslines him out of the ring. Kidd is tagged in and performs an outside dive on Miz. Show gets the blind tag, but Kidd sees him coming in and goes for a dropkick. Show quickly overpowers Kidd, taking control of the match. Show slams Kidd down, then tags Miz back in. Miz mocks Bret and picks up Kidd, but Kidd starts to fight back again. Miz tags in Show again. Show locks in a sleeper on Kidd wrapping his massive arm around Kidd’s neck. Miz makes the blind tag and gets Kidd in a crossface hold, but Kidd fights out and tags in Smith. Smith hits a couple of running should tackles followed by a powerslam. Smith tags Kidd and they hit the Springboard Hart Attack. Kidd tells Bret this is for him and puts Miz in the Sharpshooter. Show asks Miz if he will listen to him now and when Miz says he will, Show pulls him out of the ring. Show leads Miz up the ramp and ShoMiz loses the match by countout.

Move of the Match: There were a lot of great moves, but I’m going to give this title to the Sharpshooter, simply because it was dedicated to Bret.

Another Shawn Michaels flashback. This one is showing the highlights of D Generation X’s career.

RAW returns with a WWE Rewind to Wrestlemania’s Money in the Bank Match. This is followed up by a return to the hot tub with the divas. Tiffany and Rosa Mendes leave. One of the other stars comes on and says that his tickets got switched so he wouldn’t arrive till tomorrow. He says he is still a guest host, announces that Brie and Nikki both win and it’s time for the two hosts to meet their new opponent. He says their new opponent is Mark Henry. Mark comes in wearing a tight fitting red swimsuit and insists the guest hosts stay and talk about Hollywood. Hornswoggle also joins them in the hot tub.

Swagger and Batista vs. John Cena and a partner of his choice. Cena reveals that his partner tonight is Randy Orton. We start out with Cena and Batista in the ring, but Batista tags in Swagger once the bell rings. Cena takes control and nails Swagger with a series of shots followed by a fisherman’s suplex. Cena tags in Orton who stomps all over Swagger, hits a knee drop, and teases the RKO, but Swagger slides out of the ring. RAW goes to a break and returns with Swagger and Cena in the ring. The show that during the break, Swagger distracted Cena so Batista could take him down giving control to their team. Both Cena and Orton want Cena to make the tag. Swagger continues to take control and hits the back suplex on Cena. He goes for the big splash in the corner and covers Cena for a 2 count. Swagger tags in Batista who whips Cena into the turnbuckle with a powerful whip. Batista takes Cena down and hits a rolling neck snap followed by a kick to the face. Orton continues reaching out, hoping for the tag. Cena fights back, but Batista catches him and hits the Spinebuster. Batista goes for the Batista Bomb, but Cena gets him with a back drop. Both men make tags and Orton begins to dominate Swagger. Orton hits his unique backbreaker and covers, but Batista breaks up the cover. Batista spears Cena, but gets caught with an RKO from Orton. Orton follows up with an RKO on Swagger and covers him to win the match.

Move of the Match: Gotta be the RKO. Not only did he hit it twice, he hit it twice in a row on both his opponents.

The next flashback is the first Undertaker/Shawn Michaels Wrestlemania match.

It’s time for Shawn’s farewell. Before Shawn can say anything, Taker comes out. Taker tips his hat to Shawn, and then returns to the back. Shawn says he doesn’t know what he’s going to say tonight. Shawn talks about the idea of not coming into the TV sets every week is gonna take a little getting used to. The audience chants “Thank You, Shawn!” and Shawn replies by saying, “I’ve got to thank you.” He says for a long time this ring and the fans was all he had. He says the fans were the only ones in the world that ever made him like him. He says he has to thank Triple H for being his friend. He says he also has to thank the production crew, the cameramen, Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and “The Greatest Announcer of All Time,” Jim Ross. He thanks, Adam, the guy who puts together the promo videos for the WWE. Shawn says he won’t wrestle any more matches because he wants to honor his word to the fans and to the Undertaker. He also says he has to thank Bret Hart. Shawn says that back in the 90s he drove Bret crazy. He says he wants to thank Bret for forgiving him and for giving him another chance at their friendship. Shawn says there is no way he could work for anybody else after working for “That crazy son of a gun” for over 20 years. He also comments that the only person he drove crazier than Bret Hart was Vince McMahon. He thanks Vince for keeping him on course, because if Vince hadn’t he would not be here today. Finally, Shawn thanks the fans. Shawn talks about how he’s spent more of his adult life with the fans than with his family. After thanking the fans, Shawn thanks his “Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” for saving him. Then says to his wife and kids “Daddy’s coming home.” Shawn says “This is how we started, and this is how we’re going to end. Ladies and gentleman, The Heart Break Kid, Shawn Michaels, has left the building.” Shawn briefly stands in the ring, makes his way up the ramp and Triple H comes out to give Shawn a hug. Shawn waves goodbye to the fans and exits the arena as RAW goes off the air.

IMPACT 3/29/10

Impact opens with a replay of the events involving Jeff Jarrett and Mick Foley from last week. This is followed by Jarrett and Hogan talking in Hogan’s office. Hogan tells Jarrett that if he beats AJ, he will be the number 1 contender after Lockdown. Jay Lethal comes in (doing his Macho Man impression) and talks with Hogan. Hogan puts him in charge of the card for tonight.

Bubba the Love Sponge comes out with The Band (Nash, Hall and Syxx-Pac.) Bubba says the Band gets him and he will be interviewing them from now on. Nash asks Eric Young to come to the ring saying he’s going to apologize to EY. Nash offers EY a spot in the band. EY attacks Nash and goes after the band. The three of them team up on him until Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy hit the ring to run them off. Hardy announces that the 6 Man Tag Match will be a steel cage match.

Impact returns with the opening match. Brian Kendrick and X-Division Champion Doug Williams vs. Shannon Moore and Kazarian. Moore knocks Kendrick off the apron and goes after Williams. Kaz is tagged in and takes down Williams. Williams is able to tag in Kendrick. Kaz takes control of Kendrick, but while Kendrick distracts the ref, Williams comes in to attack Kaz. Williams gets tagged back in. Williams takes down Kaz and locks him in a unique necklock to wear him down. Kendrick gets tagged back in and repeatedly chokes Kaz, then gets him in a sleeper hold. Kaz fights out and the two collide. Both men make the tag. Moore takes out both Williams and Kendrick with dropkicks. Moore dodges Williams and hits a diving huracanrana. Moore and Kaz hit a Spinning Heel Kick/German Suplex combo on Kendrick. Moore hits a Somersault Neckbreaker on Kendrick from the second rope. Moore pins Kendrick while Kaz prevents Williams from stopping him. After the match, Moore puts make-up on Kendrick.

Move of the Match: The Spinning Heel Kick/German Suplex Combo was an impressive tag team move, and I think I’m going to have to call it the move of the match.

Bischoff is backstage talking on the phone. We meet his secretary/personal assistant, then Lethal comes in. Lethal shows Bischoff the matches he’s come up with (which consists completely of superstars from the 80’s and early 90’s.) Bischoff tells Lethal to think about the main event, and when Lethal leaves, he tells his assistant to call Beer Money.

The Pope comes out to talk about Lockdown. Pope says that Flair was a boy years ago and it’s time to grow up. He says Styles is nothing more than a “Shadow in the streetlights,” and Pope is the “Godlight of TNA.” Pope says that at Lockdown he will take Styles to the Outer Limits. Pope says that he will have the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Lockdown. Pope says when that happens his congregation will declare that “POPE IS… PIMPING.” Chelsea comes out and says she’d like Pope to help her be a “Ho.” They play with some double entendre, Desmond Wolfe tries to jump Pope, but Pope stops him, then kisses Chelsea and leaves the ring.

They play a video of Samoa Joe. He makes a cryptic statement and the video ends.

Orlando Jordan is lowered to the ring, covered in caution tape. He crawls out of the ring, makes his way to the edge of the Impact Zone where he joins a girl and a guy. This was a rather creepy segment.

JB is backstage with Tara. Tara says the first blood match will be revenge. She says that Daffney took poison, and she is going to make Daffney pay. Daffney attacks Tara, but Tara is able to overpower her and begins to do damage.

After the break, Tara and Daffney are still fighting, and the Referee has started the First Blood Match. Daffney slams Tara into the stage and bites her head. Tara goes after Daffney, almost hitting Mike Tenay and dragging her down the stairs. Daffney chokes Tara with a cable and drags her to the ring. She pulls out a broom and uses it to hit Tara with. Daffney breaks the broom and tries to stab Tara with it. Tara hits the Widow’s Peak. She grabs the toolbox and hits Daffney with it. The referee checks Daffney and announces that she is bleeding. Tara wins the match.

Move of the Match: The Widow’s Peak (pretty much the only real move performed.)

They replay the Jarrett/Foley video package. Now it’s time for Jeff Jarrett vs. AJ Styles. AJ is first to make an offensive move, and seems like he’s going to take control, but instead keeps teasing Jarrett and giving him a chance to fight back. A series of reversals ends with the two once again staring each other down in the ring. Styles looks to be about to takes control, but Jarrett fights back and takes over the match. AJ tries to get out of the ring, but Jarrett goes after him, slams him into the barrier, and then brings him back into the ring. AJ briefly takes control, but misses the flying forearm in the corner and when AJ tries to block Jarrett’s rush, Jarrett catches him with an enzuigiri. AJ finally gets control by going after Jarrett’s legs and goes for the figure four leg lock. Flair holds out his cane to AJ and when AJ grabs it, Flair pulls back increasing the pressure on Jarrett. AJ goes for an enzuigiri of his own, but Jarrett counters and puts AJ into the figure four. AJ turns it over and Jarrett grabs the ropes. Flair starts hitting Jarrett’s hands with his cane so Jarrett won’t have his hands on the ropes. Flair gets ejected from ringside, and AJ goes to argue with Security as they take Flair out. Jarrett comes out, grabs AJ and drags him back to the ring. Impact returns with AJ in control, they show that AJ hit a low blow and an outside dive during the break. Jarrett goes for a crucifix followed by another pinning combination attempt, but AJ counters. AJ repeatedly alternates between a crossface hold and a chinlock. Jarrett finally starts to fight back and hits a big back body drop. A series of reversals by Jeff Jarrett and Jarrett hits a double underhook facebuster on AJ. AJ counters an attack of Jarrett from the top to hit a throw. He hits the springboard forearm, but Jarrett kicks out at 2. Jarrett reverses the Styles Clash into a double leg slam. Flair is back out and while the ref is distracted, Jarrett accidentally sends AJ into him. Jarrett hits the Stroke off the middle rope, but the referee is down outside the ring. Bischoff comes into the ring and tries to nail Jarrett with the guitar, but Jarrett stops him. AJ low blows Jarrett while Jarrett is threatening Bischoff with the guitar. Styles hits the Styles Clash, Bischoff rolls the referee into the ring, and the referee counts 3.

Move of the Match: The Stroke off the middle rope. Had the referee not been down, this move would’ve ended the match giving Jarrett the win.

JB is backstage with EY, Hardy and RVD. EY says that Nash has tied his rope to a sinking ship and that while he, Hardy and RVD are in the business for the right reasons, and the Band are there for the wrong reasons. Hardy and RVD talk about making their way to the top and say that EY is on his way to the top. EY says that Nash should take a look at his partners, then look at EY’s partners and ask himself “Who traded up?”

Bischoff tells Lethal that he will have a match tonight. “The Black Machismo” Jay Lethal vs. Beer Money Inc. Lethal brings the fight to Beer Money, but they quickly take control with the double team. Beer Money hits a big double back body drop on Lethal. He rolls to the outside, but they follow him out and send him into the steps. They hit the Beer Money Suplex, but after, Lethal starts fighting back. Assisted swinging side slam on Machismo and he is down. Storm goes to take a drink from his beer bottle, and Lethal rolls up Roode in a small package for the win. Lethal escapes the ring, and Storm is very mad that they lost.

Move of the match: The assisted swinging side slam. There weren’t too many moves in the match, and this move was quite impressive.

They replay Morgan’s kick to Hernandez from last week and Hernandez being taken out on a stretcher. They state that Morgan will explain his actions next week.

Desmond Wolfe vs. The Pope D’Angelo Dinero. Wolfe takes control early with a cheap shot when Pope makes the mistake of turning his back. Pope starts to fight back, but Wolfe manages to keep control. He gets Pope in a leg lock, but Pope is able to turn it over to reverse the pressure. Wolfe manages to take control again. Pope is finally able to fight back and gain control of the match. Pope hits Wolfe with the Thez Press. Wolfe fights back and gets Pope set up in the corner, but Pope avoids him and hits the uppercut followed by the Outer Limits Elbow Drop. Chelsea distracts the referee. Wolfe pulls out a chain wraps it around his hand and knocks out the pope with it. Wolfe gets the pinfall to win the match.

Move of the match: I’d give the move to Pope’s Elbow Drop. If Pope hadn’t been distracted by the referee being distracted, he would’ve followed up and won the match.

Kurt Angle comes out to the ring. He addresses Mr. Anderson. Angle talks about how he lost control. He says that at Lockdown it will be the two of them one last time in a steel cage one on one. Angle says the match will end with his hands, his face and his body covered with Anderson’s blood. Anderson comes out. Anderson tells Angle that their feud needs to end. He tells Angle that they’re 50/50 and they keep cancelling each other out. Anderson announces a ladder match between himself and Angle for next week’s impact. The winner of the match will have the key to the cage door at Lockdown. Anderson says the better man will not win. He says that Kurt is a better man than he is, but that nice guys always finish last.

As Angle leaves, the Band enters the cage. EY, RVD and Hardy come out to enter the cage. Syxx-Pac hits EY with the door, then the team goes 3 on 2 on Hardy and RVD. The Band brings RVD and Hardy into the ring and Syxx-Pac locks EY out of the cage. The band dominates the two and Syxx-Pac hits Hardy with the Bronco Buster. RVD and Hardy begin to fight back. Rolling Thunder/Extreme Leg Drop combo on Syxx-Pac. Hardy hits a version of Poetry in Motion on Hall, using RVD for the lift. EY climbs up the cage. Syxx-Pac goes after EY, but RVD stops him. Van Dam hits the 5 Star Frog Splash and Hardy hits the Swanton at the same time. The two moves connect with Hall and Nash. EY hits an elbow drop on Syxx-Pac from the top of the cage and they get the pin for the win.

Move of the match: This has to go to the elbow drop. The Frog Splash and Swanton were great, but the elbow drop off the top of the cage was amazing.

Abyss announces the next member of Team Hogan at Lethal Lockdown. Jeff Jarrett comes out to confirm that he is the second member of Team Hogan. He addresses Ric Flair saying that his pent up frustration will all be blown off at Lockdown.

Wrestlemania XXVI

Wrestlemania opens with Fantasia singing America the Beautiful. This is followed by a Wrestlemania video package.

ShoMiz vs. John Morrison and R-Truth for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship will open the show.
My Prediction: ShoMiz wins the match.
Morrison and Miz start things off in the ring. Miz takes control at first, but Morrison soon catches him with a spinning kick and covers with Miz kicking out at 2. Morrison hits Miz with a scoop slam, he tags in R-Truth and we see a dancing leg drop from Morrison, followed by a diving leg drop from Truth. This gets them a 2 count, but Miz kicks out. Miz goes after Truth, who gets to use his splits dodge and hits Miz with a kick. Show tags himself in and Truth goes after him, but when Truth goes for a cross body, he gets caught and Show hits him with a fall away slam. Show taunts Morrison and shoves him off the apron. He climbs up on the second rope, but before he can go for the dive, Morrison gets back on the apron and kicks Show causing him to fall to the mat. Truth goes for the cover, but only gets a 2 count. Both men tag in their partners and Morrison takes control of Miz again. Miz avoids a shoulder block in the corner and goes for the sunset flip, but Morrison gets up and hits Miz with a knee. Morrison goes for Starship Pain, but Show pulls Miz out of the ring. Truth dives onto Show who catches him and puts him back first into the ring post. Miz goes for a pin on Morrison, but Morrison kicks out at 2. Miz goes for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Morrison counters and gets a 2 count. Show makes the blind tag, and when Morrison goes for the Flying Chuck Kick, Show catches him with the big right hand. Show makes the pin and ShoMiz retain the Titles.

Move of the Match: There were a lot of great moves, but Show’s knockout punch from the outside was an intelligent and strategic move. I’ve got to say there were a lot of great moves, but I’m going to call the Knockout punch the best.

1 for 1

They play a package highlighting the Wrestlemania week events.

Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes
My Prediction: Orton picks up the win over the other members of Legacy.
The match begins with DiBiase and Rhodes double teaming Orton. Orton rolls out of the ring, and when Rhodes comes after him, he slides back in and attacks DiBiase. Orton has control for a brief time, but DiBiase and Rhodes are able to take control and double team Orton again. They hit a series of tag team maneuvers, which include each man taking turns holding Orton so the other can hit him. They hit a double suplex on Orton, and trap him in the corner. Orton manages to fight back and first singles out Rhodes in the corner, he gets control for a brief time, but DiBiase catches him with a clothesline. They hit the high low. Rhodes goes for a knee drop and while he climbs up for a moonsault, DiBiase goes for the cover. Rhodes stops him and they argue. Rhodes throws DiBiase out of the ring and hits an Alabama slam on Orton, but DiBiase breaks up the fall and hits Rhodes. Rhodes and DiBiase fight inside and outside the ring. Orton starts to get up on the other side while they fight. Orton throws DiBiase out of the ring and goes after Rhodes. He hits powerslams on both men. Backbreaker on Rhodes, but DiBiase pulls him out of the ring. Rhodes goes for a dive and Orton moves so that only DiBiase gets caught. Orton hits a double rope hung DDT on Rhodes and DiBiase. Orton starts to go for the RKO, but decides to back up and Punts Rhodes instead. DiBiase hits the ring and goes for Dream Street, but Orton counters, hits the RKO and gets the win with a 3 count on DiBiase.

Move of the Match: There were a lot of great moves in this match. From the High/Low, to the Alabama Slam, to Orton’s Punt, but when it comes down to it, I’ve got to name the RKO on DiBiase the move of the match because he countered Dream Street and hit it seemingly out of nowhere.

2 for 2

They play the obligatory “DO NOT Try this at home” video.

Josh Matthews is backstage and introduces Vicki Guerrero. Vickie says this will be her first Wrestlemania match and she will create a moment that will live forever. She brings in Jillian who sings badly, causing the rest of her team to leave. Santino comes in and bites into a Slim Jim which causes Jillian to turn into Mae Young (who kisses him). Another bite turns Mae into Mean Gene, and a third bite turns Gene into Melina who leaves with Santino.

Money in the Bank (Kane vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Evan Bourne vs. MVP vs. Christian vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Jack Swagger vs. Matt Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre)
My Prediction: Kofi wins the match.
Kofi has some unique braids for this match, MVP looks pumped, EvanBourne is excited for the match, Jack Swagger comes out wearing a new red white and blue robe, Shelton Benjamin seems calm and reserved as he makes his way to the ring, Matt Hardy gets a pretty good pop as he makes his way to the ring, Dolph Ziggler also looks ready to get things started, Drew McIntyre comes out to boos and takes his time coming out to the ring, Kane comes out sporting a black eye, and finally Christian comes out signaling that he intends to win and looking up at the ladders on the ramp. The match starts out with an all out brawl. There are men fighting all around the ring. McIntyre catches Kane with a big kick, and when MVP slides a ladder into the ring, McIntyre tries to climb it, but gets pushed over by Hardy. Bourne comes in and hits McIntyre with a high knee. MVP catches McIntyre in the corner with a Player’s Boot that sends McIntyre out of the ring. They set up the ladder, and pretty much everyone keeps pulling off the guy climbing it and trying to climb it themselves. Bourne nearly gets the briefcase, but Kane, Swagger and Hardy stop him, then Kane chokeslams him out of the ring onto Benjamin and MVP. Swagger and Hardy fight at the top of the ladder and Kofi knocks it over by hitting it with another ladder. Christian sets up Hardy and Swagger in the corner, throws a ladder at them, and then sends Kofi into the ladder with a monkey flip. Christian starts to climb the ladder, but Ziggler jumps up and hits a modified Zig Zag off the ladder. MVP pulls Ziggler off the ladder and tries to climb it, but gets caught by Kane. Kofi, MVP, and Shelton hit Kane in the corner with a ladder, then Kofi runds up the ladder onto Kane’s shoulders and begins punching him. Kane powerbombs Kofi onto the ladder. MVP catches Kane with the Player’s Boot, but gets caught by Paydirt from Shelton. Shelton climbs up, but Swagger hits him with a ladder. Swagger knocks everyone off the ring apron, until Bourne comes off the top rope and drops Swagger. Hardy and Christian Then catch Swagger between two ladders. Christian, Hardy and Bourne all climb up. Hardy gets knocked down and Christian goes for the Killswitch on the ladder, but Bourne fights out. Bourne knocks Christian down and hits Air Bourne from about halfway up the ladder. Evan climbs back up, but just as he reaches the briefcase, Hardy climbs up and stops him from unclasping it. Hardy manages to take Bourne off the ladder with a hip toss, Swagger climbs up behind him and pushes him over onto the ladder that is still laid across the standing ladder and the top rope. MVP climbs the ladder and collides with Benjamin. MVP tries to powerbomb Benjamin out of the ring, but Benjamin counters with a huracanrana and both men go down. Kane tries to climb the ladder, but Ziggler climbs up over him, Kane pushes the ladder knocking Ziggler off. Kane then hurls the ladder at Ziggler, but Ziggler ducks and it flies out of the ring. Kane chokeslams Ziggler on a ladder that Kofi brings into the ring, then traps Ziggler in between the two halves and beats him with it until it breaks. Kofi catches Kane with Trouble in Paradise and transforms the two halves of the ladder into a pair of stilts. He gets part way up until McIntyre comes in and stops him sending him out of the ring. Drew climbs another ladder, but Hardy stops him from taking the briefcase. Hardy knocks Drew off the ladder and racks him on the top rope. Hardy almost takes down the briefcase, but Christian is able to stop him. Kane climbs up and the three fight at the top of the ladder. Kane goes down and after a fight, Hardy goes for a Twist of Fate, but Christian counters with an inverted ddt off the top of the ladder. Christian climbs back up, but Swagger follows him. Swagger hits Christian with the briefcase, knocking him off the ladder. With no one else in the ring, Swagger unhooks the briefcase to become Mr. Money in the Bank.

Move of the Match: There were too many moves in this match to call one move the move of the match. I’d say my top moves would include the Chokeslam on the ladder, the Zig Zag off the top of the ladder, and Christian’s combo move sending Hardy into Swagger, the ladder into Hardy, and Kofi into the ladder.

2 for 3

They play a video promo for Extreme Rules. After that video, they play a video package of the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Following the video package, they bring out the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2010.

They play a package for Sheamus vs. Triple H. Now it’s time for the match.
My Prediction: Sheamus puts up a good fight, but Triple H wins.
The two lock up, and then Sheamus tells Triple H that he is the future. Triple H answers Sheamus with a series of punches. Triple H goes for the Pedigree, but Sheamus escapes. Sheamus takes control, but Triple H is able to fight back. Triple H gets control and Sheamus rolls out of the ring. Triple H brings him back in and catches him with a chop block. Triple H locks Sheamus in the figure four leg lock, but Sheamus grabs the ring ropes. On the outside, Triple H goes after Sheamus who sends him into the ring steps. Sheamus catches Triple H in the ring and hits him with 2 of his side slam backbreakers. Sheamus catches Triple H with a double axe handle and gets a 2 count. Sheamus gets Triple H in a chin lock with a knee to the back. Sheamus hits a powerslam and goes to a submission hold. Triple H starts to get up and Sheamus locks in a sleeper. Triple H gets his second wind and catches Sheamus with a back suplex. He catches Sheamus with a few kicks out of the corner and hits a big ddt. Both men trade punches and Triple H follows up with the high knee. He follows up with a knee facebuster. Triple H looks for the Pedigree, but Sheamus counters. Triple H gets Sheamus with a neckbreaker for a 2 count. Triple H mounts Sheamus in the corner, but Sheamus ducks out and tries to go for the crucifix powerbomb out of the corner. Triple H slides out and ducks the pump kick and again goes for the Pedigree, but again, Sheamus counters. Sheamus hits the pump kick, but only gets a 2 count. Sheamus goes for the Crucifix again, but Triple H fights out and catches Sheamus with a spinebuster. Sheamus hits Triple H with the pump kick again. He goes to set Triple H up for the Crucifix, but Triple H suddenly hits him with the Pedigree. Triple H pins Sheamus and wins the match.

Move of the Match: A lot of great moves in this match. Sheamus hit his side slam back breaker twice and hit the Pump kick twice. But in the end, the move of the match has to be Triple H’s Pedigree. This is always a great move, and the way Sheamus took it just made it look incredibly effective.

3 for 4

They play a Mysterio/Punk video package. Punk comes out giving one of his speeches. Rey comes out in Avataresque attire.
My Prediction: Mysterio wins (either cleanly or by DQ).
The match opens with Gallows threatening to interfere. Punk takes control and after he hooks Mysterio up on the ropes, Serena chokes Mysterio. Punk goes for a baseball slide, but Mysterio lifts himself up and Punk slides into the ring post. Mysterio goes for his wheelbarrow bulldog on the outside, but Punk counters sending Mysterio face first into the steps. Mysterio gets back into the ring at 9. After Punk has some offense, Mysterio starts fighting back with a seated senton, but gets caught with a powerslam when he goes for a crossbody. We see Mysterio go for a huracanrana but get sent back down and caught with a big kick. Punk goes for repeated covers, but Mysterio keeps fighting out. Mysterio catches Punk with a modified ddt type move. He sets Punk up for the 619, but Punk catches him. Punk goes for the GTS, but Mysterio escapes. Mysterio goes Frog Splash, but Punk moves. Punk covers, but Mysterio kicks out. Punk hits the high knee in the corner, but can’t hit the bulldog. Mysterio sets him up and goes for the 619, but Serena jumps up on the ropes and grabs Punk stopping Mysterio. Luke Gallows gets up on the other apron. Punk goes for the GTS again, but Mysterio hits a huracanrana sending Punk into Gallows and setting up Punk on the ropes. Mysterio hits the 619 followed by the splash to win the match.

Move of the Match: There were a lot of great moves in this match as well. However, I think that of all the moves in the match, I’d have to give the move of the match to Mysterio’s flipping modified ddt move.

4 for 5

Bret Hart/Mr. McMahon video package. No holds barred match.
My Prediction: Bret Hart gets his long overdue revenge on Mr. McMahon.
Vince comes out and says he bought himself a whole bunch of lumberjacks and a guest referee. Out comes the Hart Dynasty with other members of the Hart Family. Vince comes into the ring and Bruce Hart comes in as the Special Guest Referee. Bret informs Vince that the Harts told him Vince was trying to buy them and announces that Wrestlemania XXVI will be remembered as the night “Bret screwed Vince.” Bret takes the fight to Vince doing as much damage as he can. Vince gets out of the ring and the Harts beat up on him. The Hart Dynasty dominates Vince, and hit a modified top rope Hart attack on the floor. They pick up Vince and send him to the ring. Bret goes after Vince’s leg and he tries to escape under the ring. The Harts pull him out, but he comes out with a crowbar. Bret gets his hands on the crowbar and targets Vince with it. Bret grabs Vince and teases the Sharpshooter, but decides to do a little more damage first. Bret hits Vince with a few low blows and David Hart Smith hands him a chair. Bret sits in the chair for a short rest while Vince tries to get up. Vince finally gets up an Bret nails him in the back with the chair. Bret then nails him repeatedly with the chair. Bret continually targets the lower back and legs of Vince with the chair. After having done the damage with the chair, Bret locks in the Sharpshooter, and Vince taps immediately, but Bret holds it a little longer to continue the pain on Vince.

Move of the Match: For moves performed by the competitors in the match, this has to go to the Sharpshooter. If we include the other Harts however, I’d give it to the Top Rope Hart Attack by the Hart Dynasty.

5 for 6

They announce that Wrestlemania XXVII will be held in Atlanta, GA.

Edge/Jericho video package. And it’s time for the match.
My Prediction: Edge picks up the victory over Jericho.
Edge and Jericho go back and forth with both men trading who has the advantage. Edge is able to finally begin to take control of the match, but Jericho catches Edge with a cheap shot and takes back control. They once again trade off and Edge goes for the spear, but Jericho slides out of the ring. Edge attacks Jericho on the outside, but when he tries to reenter the ring, Jericho catches him with a kick, and then with a baseball slide that sends him out of the ring. Jericho manages to control Edge for a while. This continues until Jericho goes for a corner shoulder block and Edge sends him into the ring post. Jericho comes off the ropes and Edge catches him with a kick, but Jericho responds by throwing him onto the ropes. Jericho goes for the triangle dropkick, but Edge avoids it, and then knocks Jericho off the ring apron to the floor. Edge follows up with a flying clothesline to Jericho. Edge starts to climb the ropes, but Jericho goes after him and they fight on the top rope. Edge hits a diving gourdbuster on Jericho. He follows with a cover for a 2 count. Jericho tries for the Walls of Jericho, but Edge fights him off. Edge goes up top for a cross body, but Jericho rolls through for a 2 count. Edge once again counters the Walls of Jericho, and then goes for a sunset flip from the ropes. Jericho goes for the Codebreaker, but Edge counters and prepares for the spear. Jericho counters and locks in the Walls of Jericho. Edge is able to counter and get a small package for 2. Jericho takes Edge down and goes for the Lionsault but Edge has moved. Edge takes him down for another 2 count. Enzuigiri from Jericho and another 2 count. Edgecution from Edge for a 2 count. Jericho catches Edge with a kick and a diving forearm to the back of the head. Jericho decides to spear Edge, but Edge counters with a big boot. Edge sets up for a spear of his own. Jericho counters the spear with a codebreaker, but only gets a 2 count. Jericho targets the previously injured leg of Edge. Jericho is able to once again lock in the Walls of Jericho. Jericho decides to go from the Walls to a single leg crab on the surgically repaired left leg. Edge is able to reach the ropes and Jericho breaks the hold. Edge rolls up Jericho for 2 and clotheslines him out of the ring. Jericho grabs the title, but Edge stops him. The referee gets knocked down and Jericho hits Edge with the championship belt. Jericho covers, but Edge kicks out. Edge gets up and Jericho hits the Codebreaker. Jericho pins Edge to retain the title.

Move of the Match: Lots of great moves in this match, but my personal favorite was Edge’s Gourdbuster move off the ropes on Jericho. The move was not at all what I was expecting and was very impressive.

5 for 7

After the match, Edge flips out on Jericho. He sets Jericho up on one announce table, then climbs up on the other. Jericho gets up and Edge spears him off the announce table, through the barricade into the timekeeper’s corner.

They play clips of the 26 Man Battle Royal before Wrestlemania when live. The match was won by Yoshi Tatsu.

10 Diva Tag Team Match: Layla, Alicia Fox, Vickie Guerrero, Maryse and Michelle McCool vs. Eve Torres, Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim and Beth Phoenix
Note: I did not predict this match as it had not been announced before I left for the weekend. Because I did not have a chance to predict it I will not count it in my prediction stats.
Vickie starts out with Gail Kim. Gail tags in Beth. Beth picks up Vickie and brings her over to their corner, and tags in Eve. Eve takes a few shots and tags in Gail. Gail takes a few shots and tags in Mickie who takes a few shots and tags in Kelly. Kelly hits the K2 on Vickie and goes for the pin, but Michelle comes in and hits the Faith Breaker on Kelly. Mickie hits Michelle with her ddt, Layla hits Mickie with her neckbreaker, Gail Kim catches Layla with the Eat Defeat, Maryse uses the French Kiss on Gail, Eve hits Gail with her flipping senton, Alicia hits Eve with her scissors kick, Beth hits Alicia with the Glam Slam. Beth goes after Vickie, but Michelle catches her with a big kick. Vickie hits a diving splash on Kelly (not quite the frog splash she was going for, but close). Vickie covers Kelly and after not getting the pin the first time, she puts all her weight on Kelly’s shoulders and gets the pin.

Move of the Match: Every diva hit their finisher in the match, so it’s hard to say, but I’ve got to give it to the Glam Slam, because that is one of the most impressive diva’s finishers.

They play the John Cena and Batista video package. Cena Makes one of his traditional Wrestlemania entrances proceeded by a performance by the United States Airforce Honor Guard Drill Team.
My Prediction: Batista gets the win and keeps the title to continue the feud.
Cena and Batista go at it. They start with Batista in control, but Cena soon takes the advantage. Cena catches Batista with punches in the corner, but Batista fights back and takes Cena down. Batista gets the facewash in the corner and sets him up on the apron. Batista goes after the head and neck with his attacks on the apron. Cena counters a suplex attempt with a suplex of his own. Cena goes for the Attitude Adjustment, but Batista counters with a nearly vertical ddt. Batista gets Cena in a rear naked choke hold. Cena manages to stand and break Batista’s hold. Cena and Batista exchange blows. Batista catches Cena with a neckbreaker. Batista has Cena in a front chancery, but Cena breaks the hold. Cena goes for the 5 Knuckle Shuffle, but Batista catches him with the spinebuster. Cena counters an attack and locks in the STF. Batista reaches the rope. Batista catches Cena with the spear and covers for 2. Batista goes for a superplex, but Cena blocks him. Cena knocks Batista off and hits a variation of the 5 Knuckle Shuffle from the top rope. Batista counters the Attitude Adjustment and hits the Batista Bomb, but Cena kicks out at 2. The two men repeatedly counter each other and Cena hits an Attitude Adjustment, but Batista kicks out at 2. Batista counters a dive into a powerbomb, then looks for the Batista Bomb, but Cena counters and locks in the STF. Batista can’t reach the ropes and taps out. Cena wins the WWE Championship.

Move of the Match: Lots of great moves in this match. Still, if I had to choose one, I’d have to call the STF the move of the match.

5 for 8

Another promo for extreme rules, and it’s time to preview the main event, Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker.
My Prediction: Undertaker retires Shawn Michaels.
HBK repeatedly counters Taker to start the match, but Taker soon counters an attack to hit Snake Eyes. Taker goes for Old School and connects on Michaels. He goes for the Chokeslam early, but Michaels gets out and goes after Taker’s knee. Taker is able to take control again and sets up for a tombstone, but Michaels goes after his arm and knee. Michaels goes for a superkick, but Taker avoids it. Michaels continues to dominated Taker by targeting the knee. Taker finally starts to fight back, but Michaels again kicks the knee. Taker goes for the dive on HBK, but Michaels slides into the ring and delivers a shoulder to Taker’s knee. Michaels tries to use the figure four, but Taker stops him. Taker sends Michaels back first into the ring post. Taker hits the apron leg drop, but hurts his knee in the process. Michaels locks Taker in a figure four leg lock to apply pressure to the legs. Taker is finally able to roll over putting the pressure on Michaels. Taker and Michaels trade blows. Michaels takes Taker down and gets the Kip Up. Taker chokeslams Michaels and gets a 2 count. Taker goes for the Tombstone, but Michaels goes to the Ankle Lock. Michaels pulls Taker to the center of the ring and grapevines the leg. Taker is able to kick Michaels and break the hold. Michaels clotheslines Taker out of the ring and goes for a crossbody on the outside, but Taker catches him. Taker hits Michaels with a Tombstone on the outside. Taker rolls Michaels back into the ring and cover him, but Michaels kicks out at 2. Taker picks up Michaels and goes for the Last Ride, but Taker goes down and Michaels takes advantage to drive Taker’s face into the match. Michaels goes for the elbow drop, but Taker lifts his legs. Taker goes for Hell’s Gate, but Shawn counters into a jackknife cover for 2. Michaels hits Sweet Chin Music, but only gets a 2 count. Michaels goes for Sweet Chin Music again, but Taker counters and hits Michaels with the Last Ride. Michaels kicks out just before 3 to continue the match. Taker tosses Michaels out of the ring, then comes out and tears apart the announce table. Taker goes for the Last Ride through the announce table, but Michaels counters and sends Taker onto the table with Sweet Chin Music. Michaels climbs to the top rope and puts Taker through the announce table with a moonsault. Michaels slides Taker into the ring and hits Sweet Chin Music. He covers Taker, but Taker kicks out just short of 3. Michaels sets up for another Sweet Chin Music, but Taker catches him and chokeslams him. Taker picks up Michaels and hits the Tombstone. He covers, but Michaels kicks out before 3. Taker brings down the straps and is about to signal that it’s over, but he stops and says to Michaels, “Stay down.” Shawn gets up and slaps Taker. Taker grabs him, hits a second Tombstone, and covers him to win the match.

Move of the Match: I don’t think I can choose a move of the match for this one. There were so many impressive and amazing moves from both men. There were flashy moves, impressive powerful moves and moves that showed incredible skill from both men.

6 for 9

Taker does his signature taunt as 18-0 appears on the Titantrons. He starts to leave the ring, but pauses and returns to look down at Michaels. In a show of respect, Taker pulls Michaels to his feet and the two men shake hands and hug. Taker leaves the ring and Shawn shows his appreciation to the fans as they cheer for him. Shawn stands in the ring repeatedly thanking the fans, and then makes his ways up the entrance ramp greeting fans on both sides. Michaels kneels at the top of the ramp, looks up to the sky and exits as Wrestlemania ends.

Just one extra note. While I’m sad to see HBK retire, I’ve got to say that if ever there was a way a wrestler like Shawn Michaels should go out, it is with a match like this one. A match that will go down as one of the Greatest Matches in Wrestlemania history.

Wrestlemania Predictions

First, I would like to note that I will be gone for most of this weekend, so I may not post a review of Wrestlemania till Monday or Tuesday. That being said, it's time for me to make my Wrestlemania predictions.

Money In the Bank Ladder Match (Kane vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Evan Bourne vs. MVP vs. Christian vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Jack Swagger vs. Matt Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre)

What I want to happen: Honestly, most of the superstars in this match have proven they deserve a title shot. This match should definitely be exciting (especially with 10 superstars in the match instead of 8.) I would really like to see Hardy or Kane win the match as they are both long overdue for a major title shot.

My Prediction: Kofi Kingston walks away Mr. Money In the Bank. Kofi has been on a roll lately, and following his feud with Randy Orton, Kofi has proved he deserves a shot at the title. I expect he'll get that shot after he walks away with the MITB Briefcase at Wrestlemania.

Triple H vs. Sheamus

What I want to happen: I'm not really sure what I want to happen in this match. Part of me really wants Sheamus to be beaten down by Triple H, but another part of me feels that Sheamus really needs this win if he wants to truly solidify himself as a main eventer.

My Prediction: This match is hard to predict. The question rides on whether or not the WWE would allow Triple H to be defeated by Sheamus. Although I do believe they're trying to make Sheamus into a big name, I just can't see them letting him beat Triple H in a fair match. My prediction is that, barring Sheamus getting a cheap/unfair win, Sheamus will put up a good fight, but Triple H will eventually pull out the win in the match.

CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio (If Mysterio loses, he must join the Straight Edge Society)

What I want to happen: As one who lives a straight edge lifestyle, I understand the "Straight Edge means I'm better than you gimmick." I do not however, agree with this thinking, and over the weeks, Punk's gimmick has begun to get on my nerves. For this reason, I really hope that Mysterio gives him a beating and wins the match.

My Prediction: I cannot see the WWE letting Mysterio lose this match and have to join the Straight Edge Society. I would say that either Mysterio will pick up a solid victory in the match, or he will win with Punk losing by disqualification.

Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Cody Rhodes

What I want to happen: The build-up to this match has been quite interesting, and I have begun to find myself rooting for Randy Orton. As all three of these men are part of the upper tier of wrestlers on RAW, a loss for any of them wouldn't be that big of a deal. Despite this, I would like to see Randy Orton pick up the win as it has been a while since he has had a solid victory and it's about time he shows dominance of DiBiase and Rhodes.

My Prediction: The feud has been building up to this match, but the odds suddenly shift when it becomes a triple threat match. I expect DiBiase and Rhodes to team up against Orton early on, eventually the fact that it is a triple threat match will kick in and I predict, that while DiBiase and Rhodes fight one another, Orton will take advantage to win the match.

Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon

What I want to happen: This match is a long time coming, Bret Hart's return to the WWE was a shocking announcement, but this match puts a cap on a great career. As this will probably be Bret Hart's last match, I'd like to see him go out with a bang, and pick up a decisive victory over McMahon.

My Prediction: As this match is No Holds Barred, I expect it will be more of a street fight than a match. I also expect that Mr. McMahon will likely bring other superstars out to aid him in the match. I also wouldn't put it past the Hart Dynasty to interfere on Bret's behalf if this happens. In the end, I expect Bret to get the victory over Mr. McMahon, but I doubt it will be an easy victory.

ShoMiz (Big Show and The Miz) vs. John Morrison and R-Truth: Unified Tag Team Title Match

What I want to happen: Although John Morrison and R-Truth have proven they can work together well as a tag team and seem to have ShoMiz's number, I don't think they're ready to hold the tag team titles. That being said, I would like to see ShoMiz retain the title in this match.

My Prediction: I expect ShoMiz to win the match. They've held the title for less than 2 months, and it seems doubtful to me that they would lose the titles this quickly. Although there is a possibility Morrison and Truth could have success as partners in the future, I don't see them winning the titles at Wrestlemania.

Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels: Streak vs. Career

What I want to happen: I really don't want Shawn Michaels' career to end. I think he still has a few years ahead of him if he takes care of himself. Although I would love to see Taker's Undefeated Streak continue, I want to see HBK continue to wrestle more. Because of this, I want HBK to win the match.

My Prediction: This is really a hard match to predict. Both superstars are amazing competitors and this match promises to be at least a great as last years if not better. If it lives up to the hype, the match will steal the show. In the long run, I think WWE is preparing more RAW superstars for Main Event status. Although Shawn Michaels' always helps ratings, the WWE could afford to do without him and for this reason, I see the Undertaker winning the match.

Batista vs. John Cena: WWE Championship

What I want to happen: I'd really like to see John Cena get some revenge on Batista, but I would also like to see the Championship defended in such a way that raises its prestige. That last solid WWE Championship reign was Triple H in 2008. Since then, no reign has lasted over 100 days, and the longest reign was Randy Orton with 90 days. Because of that, I think Batista really needs to retain the championship in this match if they want to bring proper prestige back to the WWE Championship.

My Prediction: Batista retains. There is a lot of potential in a John Cena/Batista feud and a successful title defense for Batista would allow the possibility of the feud continuing. If run properly, this feud could rival the 2009 feuds between Triple H and Orton and Cena and Orton. A win or a loss for Cena could allow the feud to continue, but Batista defeating Cena, especially a cheap victory, would give Cena an extra edge and make for an interesting feud.

Chris Jericho vs. Edge: World Heavyweight Championship

What I want to happen: Jericho feels he is the best in the world and that he is entitled to hold the title. Edge himself, before his injury at one point said that he needs to hold the championship to survive. The fact that Edge has repeatedly speared Jericho plays into Edge's attempts to gain the mental advantage prior to Wrestlemania. Although Jericho has had a relatively short reign, I would like to see Edge win the title at Wrestlemania, then go on to have a long reign himself.

My Prediction: Edge wins. I can't see them having both titles changing hands at Wrestlemania, but I also can't see both Champions retaining with such big matches set for the title. Also, since the World Heavyweight Championship was created, it has never been successfully defended at Wrestlemania. Although Jericho has the skills to be the first person to do so, I don't think he will be.

These are my predictions for Wrestlemania. Once I have a chance, I will watch and review the event, including comments on the matches and identifying how my predictions compare to what actually happens.

Disclaimer

Welcome to The Warlord's Way. I am the Warlord Liam Hawk, and this is my wrestling blog. I've written previous wrestling blogs before, but decided to start this new one as preparation for Wrestlemania weekend. This blog will cover WWE events, TNA events and I may at times include commentary on ROH on HDNet. This disclaimer is to let the reader know that this blog will include my personal feelings and opinions. If you don't like them, don't read the blog. I will not use vulgar language, and I ask that you do not if you comment on my posts. If you comment on my posts using vulgar language, I will delete your comments. In preparation for Wrestlemania, I will make a few posts including my predictions for the Wrestlemania event.