DanG Vs. GRuz @ WrestleMania XXVI: Previews and Predictions
WWEBlog’s two hottest Predictionado’s go head to head in order to find out who is the best in the business at ‘calling it’!!
The Background
Hey guys! JayD here, just to set the scene a little for you.
Here at WWEBlog we have a two-man previews and predictions team (not including myself) who sporadically take it in turns to cast their aspersions on the upcoming pay per views.
At last year’s WrestleMania myself and GRuz had somewhat of a predictions head to head, but since then DanG has joined the fold and laid down the gauntlet, which GRuz happily accepted.
Not to feel left out, other members of the WWEBlog team also decided to give their predictions, trying to out-do the ‘professionals’.
If you’re looking for my articles check out the Mega Preview, which covers more of the background to each match.
DanG’s predictions will all be in this rather fetching Blue, while GRuz’s verdicts will all be in this jazzy Green hue.
Money In The Bank
Ladder Match
Evan Bourne
Vs.
Jack Swagger
Vs.
MVP
Vs.
Christian
Vs.
Shelton Benjamin
Vs.
Kane
Vs.
Dolph Ziggler
Vs.
Matt Hardy
Vs.
Drew McIntyre
Vs.
Kofi Kingston
DanG
A recent staple of Wrestlemania that once again sees a number of WWE Superstars competing for a guaranteed World Championship opportunity in the ‘Money In The Bank’ Ladder Match. The difference here to years past however, is the addition of a 9th and 10th entrant: WWE Intercontinental Champion, Drew McIntyre and Kofi Kingston.
The focus of the build up to this contest has surrounded McIntyre, and his attempts to secure a place at this year’s WrestleMania. This resulted in qualifying ‘losses’ (which were quickly expunged) to Kane and Matt Hardy, before McIntyre gained entry in a squash match against a local jobber.
Until the addition of McIntyre to this event, I was really excited for this match.
Not necessarily because of the quality of the line-up, but because I could not see anyone besides Christian who had a legitimate chance of taking the Championship contract. With the addition of the Intercontinental Champion to this event, the waters have been muddied, and unfortunately I do not still believe that this will be the case.
The match will undoubtedly be an exciting contest, and the inclusion of Shelton Benjamin, Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne should result in some superb high-risk spots (‘Air Bourne’ off a 20ft ladder anyone?).
As exciting a contest as this may well be, I also see this as one of the most predictable outcomes in recent years of ‘Money In The Bank’.
Predicted Outcome
Drew McIntyre to win.
The entire build-up to MITB on Smackdown has not been entirely centred on him for no reason. Whilst my personal preference would be to see Christian or Shelton Benjamin (deservedly) take the title opportunity, I can’t see beyond Mr. McMahon’s chosen ‘prodigy’ taking the case.
GRuz
Alrighty, another Money in the Bank match with a million contestants. I’m waiting for them to just make it a 30-man Battle Royal match and get it over with. That being sad, this is another MitB match with only a few guys who have any shot at winning. No chance for Kane, Swagger, MVP, Kingston, Hardy, Bourne, or Benjamin. I have pushed for Kingston to win in the last couple, but he’s received no appreciable push lately so it looks as if he’s yet another WWE superstar that looks to be underused for most, if not all, of his career.
The only guys with a REAL shot are Ziggler, McIntyre, and Christian. Ziggler looked to be sliding down the ladder, but lately has been turning heads. McIntyre is the only one here with a real storyline, as Vince McMahon personally bent the rules to allow him in the match. And Christian is looking to make a quick push in the major brands, now that the ECW is no more.
Predicted Outcome
I wish it wasn’t so obvious but it really looks as if McIntyre is being primed to win. After all, Vince said that he was destined to be a champion, and soon. The quickest way for him to do that now is to win the Money in the Bank.
An obvious setup, but I see McIntyre winning, with Christian coming very close a time or two to no avail.
The Rest of the WWEBlog Team
JayD : Dolph Ziggler
Jillian Bost : Christian
Frank Leal : Drew McIntyre
The Informant : Drew McIntyre
Grudge Match
Singles Match
Triple H
Vs.
Sheamus
DanG
A match that sees former WWE Champion Sheamus pitted against the ‘Cerebral Assassin’ (and workout buddy) Triple H in what could be seen as much of a ‘torch passing’ contest.
Even on the back of a three month plus reign as WWE Champion, and the WWE’s best efforts to convince us that he is the new Brock Lesnar, I still fail to see Sheamus as anything more than a mid-card competitor.
His Championship run was anything but dominant, and his ‘accomplishments’ so far amount to nothing more than squashing jobbers, an un-convincing ‘Tables Match’ victory over John Cena, and delivering cheap shot after cheap shot to anyone he can sneak up behind.
Hardly the most convincing attempt at booking a ‘Monster Heel’, eh?
Ultimately though, this match presents a good opportunity for Sheamus to finally establish himself amongst the top tier competitors on Raw. A strong, clean victory over someone as decorated as ‘The Game’ would be a good foundation for his future prospects within the WWE. On the flip-side though, a defeat or ‘weak victory’ would do little to convince that he is seen as a legitimate part of the future within the upper-echelons of the ‘E’.
Before I make my predictions for this contest, I would also like to give major-props to whoever within the booking team thought to have Triple H make mention of his ‘squash’ defeat against the Ultimate Warrior at Wrestlemania XII in his promo on Raw. Comedy gold!
Predicted Outcome
Sheamus to win. The likes of Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker and Batista do not have too many more years left in the main event scene, and it is important that credible replacements are built up. ‘Trips’ is known to be a friend and mentor to Sheamus, and I believe that he will put him over cleanly to help the future prospects of the company.
GRuz
I’m one of those guys who actually approved of Sheamus’ title reign, and felt that it was too short. That notwithstanding, I think a Triple H rivalry isn’t much of a dropoff. As has been said here on WWEBlog by other contributors, I’m feeling that Hunter can’t have too many good years left and those younger stars need a good push, Sheamus included. What’s the easiest way to give an up-and-comer a huge push? Have him win at a huge event. And I’m not sensing anything to stop that from happening here.
Predicted Outcome
Sheamus to win, possibly with the help of Shawn Michaels finally going completely off the deep end and screwing Triple H, which would solidify his heel status against the Taker later in the event.
The Rest of the WWEBlog Team
JayD : Sheamus
Jillian Bost : Triple H
Frank Leal : Sheamus
The Informant : Sheamus
WWE Unified Tag Team Championship
Tag Team Match
ShowMiz (c)
Vs.
R-Truth & John Morrison
DanG
The latest ‘thrown together’ tag team of R-Truth and John Morrison are presented with an opportunity at the Unified Tag Team Championship (can’t they just permanently unify them with one belt already?) against the dominant champions, Big Show and The Miz.
It saddens me to see the state of the tag team division these days.
It seems a long time since the heyday when we had teams such as The Hardy Boyz, Dudley Boyz and the New Age Outlaws competing for the tag titles, whereas these days the division merely seems to be a retreat where the creative team can throw under-used wrestlers for something to do.
Mark Henry/MVP and Matt Hardy/Great Khali (what were they thinking with this?) some of the most recent examples.
ShowMiz work well enough together, and Big Show seems to have found quite a niche for himself in recent dominant tag teams, however I would rather see The Miz in singles action both for his own development, as well as to prevent the United States Championship being pushed to the side.
Other than this, the only real advantage I can see to ShowMiz losing the straps would be that they would go to a face team, which would (finally) allow the criminally under-used and under-rated Hart Dynasty to potentially begin a program for the gold.
You never know, at some point this year we may actually see the Tag Team Championships on a legitimate tag team. Imagine that!
Predicted Outcome
ShowMiz to retain.
The Miz is better as a singles competitor; however it is good to see him on both brands. He has been absolute gold on the mic recently, and holding both the US Championship and Tag Titles at the same time is doing much to underline his credibility.
JoMo and R-Truth are better as singles competitors, and I wouldn’t expect this team to last much beyond WrestleMania.
GRuz
I think the Miz is overrated and The Big Show will never be accused of being too charismatic, but I’d love for them to win in the worst way so that hopefully John Morrison will go back to singles competition.
The 240-pound albatross around his neck in the name of R-Truth has forced him a step back from a bonafide title shot and that’s a real shame. JeriShow lasted for quite a while and I think ShowMiz will, too. I can’t see Morrison and R-Truth being the team to derail them.
Predicted Outcome
ShowMiz to retain and hopefully be the catalyst to break up the R-Truth/Morrison team one way or another and push Morrison back into singles title contention.
The Rest of the WWEBlog Team
JayD : ShowMiz
Jillian Bost : ShowMiz
Frank Leal : ShowMiz
The Informant : ShowMiz
Grudge Match
Singles Match
Rey Mysterio
Vs.
CM Punk
DanG
The build-up to this match has been excellent, and even puts to shame the World Heavyweight Championship program between Edge and Chris Jericho.
There is more at stake for Rey Mysterio than simply victory here. Due to him losing to Luke Gallows recently, a stipulation was added that if Mysterio loses, then he will be forced to join CM Punk’s Straight Edge Society.
It is due to this added stipulation that I believe it more than likely that Rey-Rey will win here. The only scenario I could see him losing in would be in a situation similar to the HBK/JBL program that took place leading up to No Way Out last year.
So with this in mind, how do I see this going?
Predicted Outcome
As much as I would love to see CM Punk carry on his red-hot streak, I believe that the ‘Eternal Underdog’ will claim victory here.
It would be a fantastic swerve if Punk was to win, however the only way that this could pan out would be in pretty much the same manner as Shawn Michaels/JBL from last year. Either way, I expect this to be a strong contender for match of the night, between two of the top superstars on Smackdown.
GRuz
Generally when clauses are put in place for a match at a major event like Wrestlemania or another PPV, they don’t come through (who remembers the Kane vs. Stone Cold match where Kane was to set himself on fire if he lost? Yeah, as if THAT was going to happen). As much as I’d find Rey being forced to join the Straight Edge Society if he lost, I can’t see that happening.
Predicted Outcome
Would love to see a Punk win here, but I can’t see it happening.
Rey Mysterio to win.
The Rest of the WWEBlog Team
JayD : C.M Punk
Jillian Bost : Rey Mysterio
Frank Leal : Rey Mysterio
The Informant : Rey Mysterio
Grudge Match
Triple Threat Match
Randy Orton
Vs.
Ted DiBiase
Vs.
Cody Rhodes
DanG
It’s a shame how this match has panned out, as until the last couple of weeks on Raw, this entire story arc had demonstrated how the WWE creative team do have the capability to produce a slow-burning storyline when they choose to.
A triple threat match also does not make too much sense in this scenario. If Randy Orton was holding the WWE Championship, then this would have made more sense, however there is nothing really at stake here.
Except…
The one thing that this program has successfully managed to do is to make the outcome of this match quite unpredictable. I am convinced that there will be a swerve in this match beyond the standard argument between DiBiase and Rhodes over who will cover Orton.
Randy Orton appears to have been booked as the face in this rivalry, yet will Rhodes or DiBiase reform an alliance with the Viper? Will DiBiase and Rhodes continue to team after this match or will all three men embark upon single’s careers?
For me, DiBiase would have been the logical face amongst these three.
When he did not put up a fight against Orton previously on Raw, he got a very sympathetic reaction from the crowd.
At this point it seemed only a matter of time until he turned face. The fact that Orton appears to have recently been booked as a face may well have more connotations for the whole dynamic of Raw.
Currently it would appear that John Cena, Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton are all being shown as faces. Surely at least one of these has to become a heel to balance the main event scene…?
Predicted Outcome
I can only see Orton or DiBiase winning here.
Orton would be the logical choice, with DiBiase and Rhodes continuing as an alliance. The pops that he has been receiving recently have been superb, and it would certainly suggest that the ‘WWE Universe’ are behind the attempts to turn him face.
GRuz
The fact that they don’t bill this as a handicap match is puzzling to me. All things being equal, DiBiase and Rhodes should be tag-teaming Orton the entire match. And on the surface, there is no reason for DiBiase and Rhodes to go after each other because no title is on the line.
So there’s gotta be a twist in store of some form or another.
The fans have been pushing for a face turn by Orton and I think that will be completed here, but he might not be the only one coming out as a “good guy” by the time this is said and done.
Predicted Outcome
Orton wins, because either DiBiase or Rhodes turns traitor on the other.
I’d prefer DiBiase to stay heel, as he’s far better at promos and mic work than Rhodes, but we shall see.
The Rest of the WWEBlog Team
JayD : Randy Orton
Jillian Bost : Randy Orton
Frank Leal : Randy Orton
The Informant : Ted DiBiase
World Heavyweight Championship
Singles Match
Chris Jericho (c)
Vs.
Edge
DanG
‘SPEAR…SPEAR…SPEAR’ is pretty much the sum total that this rivalry has amounted so far.
As soon as Edge was injured during the summer of 2009, it became obvious that upon his return, a feud had been laid ready for him with Chris Jericho. With both men being superb both on the mic as well as in the ring, it appeared that the inevitable match would be a tantalising prospect.
Unfortunately, the entire build-up to this match has resembled a mid-card feud and as a result has been a bit of a damp squib.
I personally prefer the ‘Rated R Superstar’ as a heel; however he does have the capability to be an entertaining face as well. Unfortunately this has not been demonstrated and instead we have had to put up with promo after promo which have resulted in Y2J being speared and embarrassed.
Although I believe that it is likely to happen, I hope that both World Championships do not change hands at WrestleMania.
I also hope that Chris Jericho does not drop the belt, as there are few people in the company more deserving of a long and enduring title reign than he. The problem there is that by not putting the title on Edge, you remove all the momentum that he has gained since making his surprise return at the Royal Rumble.
Onto the prediction…
Predicted Outcome
Edge to take the title. This feud had so much potential, but has ultimately disappointed, especially when you look at how matches such as ‘Taker/HBK and Batista/Cena have been developed. Should be an excellent match, but somewhat disappointing as the whole package.
GRuz
Jericho is one of my favorite WWE superstars and I was quite pleased when he recently won the title. Sadly, it would appear that Jericho was only pushed to the top to await the return of Edge to be given the ‘red carpet’ treatment straight to the title. Overall, I like the Jericho/Edge rivalry, although this most recent phase felt a bit rushed. These two have a lot of history, though, so I suppose the writers figured that was enough to kindle interest in the match.
Predicted Outcome
Although I’d love to see Jericho hang on to the title for a while longer, it seems pretty apparent that Edge has been given a clear and obvious path to the win.
Edge wins and becomes the new World Heavyweight Champion.
The Rest of the WWEBlog Team
JayD : Chris Jericho
Jillian Bost : Edge
Frank Leal : Chris Jericho
The Informant : Edge
‘No Holds Barred’ Match
Singles Match
Bret “Hitman” Hart
Vs.
Mr. McMahon
DanG
This is definitely a match that I never expected that I would have to write a prediction for…
For anyone expecting a wrestling classic here, please move along. We, as wrestling fans, are only gathered here to mark out like crazy as Bret forces Mr. McMahon to tap out to the Sharpshooter. That’s my only expectation of this in terms of the match itself.
The real interest has been in how this storyline has played out over the last three months. Much was expected (and rightly so) for the return of Bret to the WWE after 13 years, however in my opinion, much more could (and should) have been made.
We have had a grand total of one, yes, one confrontation between the Hitman and Shawn Michaels. Now I wasn’t exactly expecting a 60 minute Iron Man match between the two, but maybe this could have been drawn out a little bit more than just “let’s shake hands”.
Instead we have had week after week of Hart being ‘screwed’ by Vince, culminating in a match at WrestleMania.
After all the build-up, and real life animosity within this storyline, I just expected something a little more intense. The entire scenario has just left me a little cold, however happy I am to see Bret back.
Predicted Outcome
Bret to win. If McMahon doesn’t tap out to the Sharpshooter then I want my Sky Box Office fee back!
GRuz
I was as surprised as anyone (except maybe The Informant) when Bret Hart returned, as well as the manner of his return. This storyline has actually been expertly done, from McMahon’s kick to Bret’s family jewels to Bret’s faking a leg injury so he could beat Vince over the head with his fake cast. Great stuff all around.
I’d say that about half the Mania crowd is attending mainly to see Bret throw a Sharpshooter on McMahon and make him tap. Doubt they’ll be disappointed.
Predicted Outcome
You can’t have Bret Hart come back to get his revenge on Vince just to have him lose.
There’s no way you can do that. And they won’t.
Bret Hart wins, interference or no interference from Batista.
The Rest of the WWEBlog Team
JayD : Bret Hart
Jillian Bost : Bret Hart
Frank Leal : Bret Hart
The Informant : Bret Hart
Career Vs. Streak
Singles Match
Shawn Michaels
Vs.
The Undertaker
DanG
Arguably the most anticipated match of this year’s WrestleMania sees a Wrestlemania XXV rematch between two of the most decorated and respected veterans within the Wrestling world as a whole.
The epic contest from ‘Mania XXV was one of the greatest matches of recent history, and both men will have to be on top of their game to come anywhere close to the thirty-plus minute spectacle from last year.
It was always going to take something special to make this re-match worthwhile, and two stipulations have been added to this very end. Firstly, that this match will have to have a definitive conclusion by either pinfall or submission, due to ‘No-DQ’ and ‘No Count Out’ conditions being added.
Secondly, not only is ‘Taker putting his WrestleMania undefeated streak on the line, but with the added condition that if HBK loses, then he will be forced to retire.
The build up surrounding this match has been nothing short of superb.
Both men have been on the top of their game in terms of promo delivery, and the descent of HBK into a state of madness fuelled by his obsession with The Undertaker’s undefeated streak has been steadily and consistently developed ever since the first seeds of this match were planted during HBK’s acceptance speech at the Slammy’s last year.
Many fans see this as the biggest challenge to the Deadman’s undefeated streak, so can Mr. WrestleMania do what 16 other challengers before him could not?
Predicted Outcome
The addition of a No-DQ stipulation to this match causes me to smell a rat. When I mentioned earlier that Raw was lacking a main event level heel, it is here that I believe we will see a major swerve that will fill this void.
I am fully expecting Triple H to interfere and cost Shawn Michaels the match just as HBK looks set to claim victory, and thus performing a mega-heel turn in the process. This will allow Michaels to take time off following WrestleMania (as is widely rumoured) before returning later in the year to build up to a major confrontation between the former DX comrades.
Undertaker to go 18 – 0.
GRuz
In what should be the WrestleMania main event (but won’t be), the Undertaker puts his undefeated Mania streak on the line against Shawn Michaels, who will be forced to retire should he lose.
This is a tough one for me.
Long-time WWEBlog readers might remember that I (incorrectly) picked Michaels to beat the Undertaker at last year’s Wrestlemania. This year is even more difficult for me to decipher. Both Taker and Michaels are near the end of their career, so I can see Michaels losing and calling it a career right here. I can also see him finally being the one to bring down the Deadman, because who better to do it than one of the legends of the sport?
I actually think Michaels is in better all-around condition than Taker and, all things considered, would probably be around a bit longer out of the two, although neither is without their recurring, nagging injuries. Last year’s battle was almost universally considered to be the highlight of the event and as long as both can play through their aches and pains, this year should be no different.
Plenty of WWE superstars have lost so-called “career ending” matches and then been right back in the ring a couple months later, but by this time next year, both of these men literally could be retired for good. So I hope that the fans who are watching them in action this Sunday appreciate what they are seeing – possibly the last great match of both of these men’s storied careers.
Predicted Outcome
From what I can recall, any match with stipulations containing one man’s retirement almost always end up that way.
I picked Michaels last year, thinking the setup was perfect for the Taker’s streak to end. Now that I’ve been proven wrong AND there’s a rescheduled match this year, I must admit that I’m happily puzzled by which direction the writers will go here.
As I’m forced to pick a side, I’m going to stick with my gut and ONCE AGAIN pick Shawn Michaels, in a minor upset, to end the streak, setting up another possible Michaels-Triple H rivalry.
The Rest of the WWEBlog Team
JayD : The Undertaker
Jillian Bost : The Undertaker
Frank Leal : The Undertaker
The Informant : The Undertaker
WWE Championship Match
Singles Match
Batista (c)
Vs.
John Cena
DanG
The match that I fully expect to see as the closing main event to ‘Mania 26 is a dazzling demonstration of exactly why professional wrestling is about so much more than just what happens in the ring.
If you had told me back in January, that the main event of Wrestlemania was going to be Batista/Cena, then I would have shed an almighty tear at the thought. As it is, this entire feud has me eagerly anticipating the result.
So how has this come to be?
Firstly, Batista has demonstrated a level of in-ring and promo psychology that I would never have given him credit for. His heel turn beginning at Bragging Rights last year has been done with such smoothness and aplomb, that it almost seems laughable to think how long he had been booked as a face for prior to this.
His ability to draw tremendous heat from the crowd with very few words (or none at all on a number of occasions) never seemed a cheap method of eliciting a reaction, but really seemed to fit with the persona that had been created.
As a consequence of the mega-heel reaction being received by Batista, it also appears to have stirred another reaction in the audience. One which I did not expect to see (and most certainly not feel myself). There is often a mixed reaction to John Cena amongst the ‘WWE Universe’; however the feeling, culminating in his title loss at Elimination Chamber, appears to have swung to a far more positive and sympathetic state. Classic good guy vs. bad guy build up.
Much has been made by Batista, of the fact that John Cena has often struggled in situations when he has been up against the ‘Animal’, and again I see this as being indicative of the result of the match. What better way to end WrestleMania 26 with a feel-good factor than with the golden boy of the company standing victorious having beaten the odds in a gargantuan struggle for the title!
If it was even necessary, then I will now formalise my prediction!
Predicted Outcome
John Cena to win and become the new WWE Champion.
The story of a challenger winning against all the odds is all too often overplayed by the WWE. In this case however, the build-up and motivations that have lead to this match have been displayed perfectly.
I am not a fan of Cena by any means; however any storyline or situation that can lead even me to want to see him succeed is the very definition of perfect execution, and hopefully a sign of hope that the WWE creative team do still have the power to create riveting storylines even in the PG-era.
GRuz
The most recent portion of this rivalry has followed the tried-and-true WWE method of “Heel champ gets the jump on the challenger time and time again”.
Batista has spent the past several weeks beating the holy hell out of John Cena. So regular followers of the WWE should know how that storyline ultimately plays out, 99 times out of 100.
Look for Batista to dominate the match, with Cena rising up and pulling off a big win for his “fans” (seriously, WHEN are you turning Cena heel, you guys???)
Predicted Outcome
John Cena gets half-destroyed but eventually wins, becoming the new WWE Champion.
The Rest of the WWEBlog Team
JayD : John Cena
Jillian Bost : John Cena
Frank Leal : John Cena
The Informant : John Cena
The End Bit
Thank you all for joining us for the previews and predictions!
I hope you enjoyed what we had to say and consider joining us for WrestleMania live on Sunday when we’ll find out once and for all who truly is the WWEBlog Predictions Champion!
The WWEBlog Team
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