A Week of Returns

The Daily Slam

02.24.11

-Elimination Chamber results
-Cena goes old-school
-A shocking return, another return, and one more return.... wait and another one?
-Projected WrestleMania card
-USA! USA! USA!

First off, I'd like to welcome you to The Daily Slam! This column has been on hiatus for a few weeks due to me moving back East, starting a new type of career, and my desktop computer completely crashing. But for the few lucky readers that I might read this, the phoenix has risen from the ashes just as many superstars this past week have. I'd also like to thank whomever it was that put the Elimination Chamber online in a free live stream that allowed me to watch. It was a great ppv for the WWE heading into the grandest stage of them all.

As I mentioned, the EC ppv was one of the better ones recently. Most of the internet armchair wrestling fans predicted John "Superman" Cena to win the Raw chamber but huge congratulations go out to Edge for becoming the first person to retain their championship in an elimination chamber match. True fact, look it up. Not only did the chamber matches help set-up the Mania card, but they also added fuel to some other fires with the other superstars. The interaction between CM Punk and Randy Orton was incredible. If this feud had the WWE Championship on the line it would be even more intriguing. Miz vs Lawler was suprisingly good I thought for it having a 60+ yr old in the match. Throw in two returning stars in the mix and it was an overall great show.

Diva Break...

Last week on Raw, The Rock owned Cena in his non-PG rated promo. Poking fun of his fruity pebble t-shirts and his hand waving signature saying. DJ made a huge buzz through out the wrestling community with his "burns" on the face of WWE and speculation is still running wild about a possible Rock vs Cena match. The new #1 contender didn't take these words too kindly as he went back to the Doctor of Thuganomics
and ripped Dwayne Johnson by ripping into almost every movie he's made. I usually roll my eyes during a Cena promo but this one had me turning up the volume and laughing out loud. "I wasn't talking trash Rock I was talking truth, you left us hanging high and dry to play a fairy with a tooth?!?" That line should be made into an anti-Rock t-shirt for Cena to wear. I don't see these two ever facing one another but I have a funny feeling that Rock will help Cena beat Miz for the title. It just feels like we will see another Tyson turns on DX moment. Not that Dwayne is on the Miz side for this whole ordeal but it just has that possible feel-good segment that Vince likes to create for the fans.

WrestleMania always brings us something different such as special guests starts or returning wrestlers that spice things up. Vince will do just about anything to help boost the buyrates and leave the fans ultimately pleased. This year is having no exception. First we get the return of the movie making Rock, followed by a healed up Christian and Trish Stratus at the ppv who could both become involved at Mania. Then on Monday we get the result of the awaited 2.21.11 promos with the Undertaker taking 10 min to walk down the entrance ramp. That alone got the fans in an upraor but when Triple H walked out it was noticeable that he was the bigger star that night. It appears Taker vs HHH is on tap for the show and maybe another career on-the-line stipulation or guest referee is a huge possibility.

With WrestleMania only a little over a month away, we have a general idea of what the card will look like. So far we will see John Cena vs The Miz for the WWE title and Edge vs Alberto Del Rio for the World HeavyWeight title. I think one of those matches will get a change such as The Rock becoming "special guest enforcer" to the WWE title match. Also, a possiblility of Christian and/or Ziggler becoming involved in the other title match in some form. The other big match will be Taker vs HHH. Will the career be on-the-line for the "Game"? I still have my doubts. The Big Show vs Wade Barrett looks to be on tap as well as Cody Rhodes vs Rey Mysterio. I don't think either the US or IC title will be defended as both champions will most likely be involved the MITB ladder match if there is one. No word has been given yet since the MITB ppv got great reviews last year. If there is a MITB match then I would have Kofi, Bryan, Swagger, Morrison, Sheamus, DiBiase, Kane, McIntyre, and a returning Bourne. Lastly, one match that I am most excited for will be Randy Orton vs CM Punk is some capacity. Either single pinfall or maybe some stipulation. I'd prefer a last man standing. Overall, this year's Mania card will be an amazing one in which I can not wait to order.

Other big news from Raw was the next inductee into the Hall of Fame class of 2011 that happens the night before WrestleMania. Joining HBK this year is "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan. This is so well deserving as "Hacksaw" is so well embraced by the fans over all these years and a great presence in the wrestling community. We can go 3 years without seeing him on tv and once his theme music hits and he is shown with a 2x4 in one hand and the US flag in the other, you are compelled to begin the U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A chants. It's almost uncontrollable if your part of the live audience. Congratulations to the 1st ever Royal Rumble winner, a survivor of kidney cancer, and a true American, Mr. James Duggan. "Hooo!!!"

Elimination Chamber Predictions

Eimination Chamber PPV Predictions

02.20.11

Non-Title Match
Alberto Del Rio vs Kofi Kingston

This match really means nothing since the title is not being defended. I can't imagine Kofi winning against the challenger for the World HeavyWeight title at Mania either. Most likely some sort of outside interference by Del Rio's ring announcer but in the end I see the win by submission.
Winner- Del Rio

Elimination Chamber Match for #1 Contendership to WWE Championship
John Cena vs Randy Orton vs R Truth vs Sheamus vs John Morrison vs CM Punk
The survivor of this match goes on to Mania to challenge for the title. The most logical winner would be a face if Miz remains the champ. Cena will most likely prevail but I think Morrison would be the better choice. A Miz/Morrison feud heading into Mania just sounds better than anyone else. But I can't go against the obvious pick.
Winner- John Cena

Elimination Chamber Match for the World HeavyWeight Championship
Edge (c) vs Rey Mysterio vs Kane vs Wade Barrett vs Drew McIntyre vs Dolph Ziggler
This match just got a little more interesting because of the removal of Ziggler. The winner goes on to face Del Rio at Mania so just like the other EC match I see a face walking out victorious. I hope they add someone else to this match to even things out as well. Maybe Big Show, Christian, or even Jack Swagger. Could we have the Edge vs Del Rio match that we've been expecting or does Rey face off against his old rival? I think Rey is the better choice for a Mania build up so Edge can finish his feud with Ziggler.
Winner- Rey Mysterio

WWE Championship Match
The Miz (c) vs Jerry Lawler
It makes me cringe to think that Lawler could win the title. I like the King but his time has long long long past to hold any title belt. I see Michael Cole getting involved somehow to allow the awesome one to retain his title and head to Mania as the champ.
Winner- The Miz

Elimination Chamber Predictions

Kofi Kingston vs. Alberto Del Rio
An interesting warm up match for Del Rio before facing his destiny. Common sense says Del Rio wins to look strong at Mania, but the WWE might want to pull a surprise.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio but you already knew that.

WWE Tag Team Title Match: Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov © vs. Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel
I think we'll get a Corre vs Nexus tag match at Mania, but I could see it being a triple threat with Santino and Koslov as well. I wonder if this match should have Zeke instead of Gabriel to better match koslovs power and to keep Gabriel free for MitB.
Winner: Santino and Koslov with nexus interference.

Smackdown Elimination Chamber World Title Match: Edge © vs. Kane vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Wade Barrett vs. Rey Mysterio vs. ???
Edge-Both won and lost a elimination chamber match 2 years ago and main evented mania last year. Throw in He already has a storyline building with Del Rio Edge should be the odds on favorite.
Kane- Seems built for this kinds of match's. The Big Red Machine is coming off of a dominate title run and would be the obvious choice for a match with Taker.
Drew McIntyre- Poor Drew. He always seems to be the guy they want to push but bad things like injuries and domestic abuse get in his way. Then again they seem like they're putting the belt on any1 these days and Vince seems to really like him.
Wade Barrett- I think he maybe the break out star of the last year inspite of not winning a world title. 2011 hasn't worked out as well for him. Though he is a main event talent and could easily win this with a little help from his friends.
Rey Mysterio- The only face in this match outside Edge and dose have a history with Del Rio. A 2x Champion don't count him out.
?- If this is the literal question mark making its pro wrestling debut then I have to say every1 is fucked. Could it be a returning Christian, HHH, Taker or Sting, if so any of these guys would make a good match with Del Rio. Especially Christian who has some unfinished business with the Mexican aristocrat. Could it be a recently fired "Former World Champ" Dolph Ziggler
Winner: Edge

Raw Elimination Chamber #1 Contenders Match: Randy Orton vs. CM Punk vs. John Morrison vs. R-Truth vs. Sheamus vs. John Cena
Randy Orton- The most on performer in the WWE right now. Definitely deserves to main event Mania. With moves like the RKO and the punt the most dangerous man in the chamber.
CM Punk- Seems to be hitting his peak as the best heel in the WWE and his feud with Orton is gold. Easily could win he is a crafty boy.
John Morrison- Has been aiming to impress this year with a great match with the Miz and show stealing moments at the Rumble. What Kind of magic can the Shaman of Sexy weave in the Devils playground. Can the Monday Night Delight harness the power of parkour to win the right to fight his former tag partner.
R-Truth- Former NWA world champ. Mad over. We have a Black president will we get a black wwe champ to match?
Sheamus- Or will we get a really white one for contrast. Size and Power are not weakness in a cage. Former 2x champ who's proven me wrong too many times.
John Cena- Face of the WWE. The Rock mentioned him as one of the 2 people he's going to see at mania, the other being The Miz.Wouldn't it be convenient if these two were in the same match. That being said he's the obvious choice to face the Miz and dose have a doctorate in thuganomics and a habit of main eventing Manias.
Winner: John Cena

WWE Title Match: The Miz © vs. Jerry Lawler
Wouldn't it be a story for the ages. Jerry Lawler one of the biggest names in the history of wrestling winning his first WWE championship at the age of 61 after already being inducted into the hall of fame. A Big year thus far for the king after being put in tv guide as one of the great tv moments, having a TLC near victory over the champ and losing his mother this week. Would Vince put the title on Lawler. I think...
Winner: "The King" Jerry Lawler

Predictions on a Ruyal Rumble

Not only is the Royal Rumble the kick off on the road to Wrestlemania, it is the first major event of the year in the world of wrestling. In terms of importance it is second only behind Wrestlemania. The Royal Rumble match itself is single greatest opportunity in professional wrestling as in the winners don't just immortalize themselves by winning one of the most prestigious matches in wrestling and defeating 30 now 40 opponents including the biggest stars in wrestling, they get to main event Wrestlemania challenging the either the WWE Champion or the Word Heavy Weight Champion. There is nothing bigger. And best of all the only advantage is the luck of the draw meaning anyone can win.

Divas Championship 2 on 1 Handicap Match; Natalya(c) vs Michelle McCool
After a great title defence against Melina on Monday, Naughty Nattie must defend her title against two wrestlers at once. While I expect her to put up a courageous effort the numbers game will catch up with her. Lucky I can see tension between Laycool and Beth phoenix make the save and then unluckily for Natalya send a message kicking off her own road to Wrestlemania.
Winner: The Queen of Hearts

WWE Championship Match: The Miz (c) vs Randy Orton
This is put up or shut up time for the Miz. He needs to win this match to prove he belongs, but he needs to do it against the must on performer in the WWE right now. This is an exciting match because you have two of the best superstars in the WWE right but I can't really tell who will win. I don't think they'll want to pull the belt off of the Miz but if they want oh with momentum. I can't tell who will win because I don't think they want to take the belt off of Miz yet but if they want Orton to go into Mania the champion now i the time to put it on him.
Winner: The Miz

World HeavyWeight Championship Match: Edge (c) vs Dolph
The rumble has traditionally been the place to put on title match's where there is little chance for a title change, Hardcore Holly anyone. I think that's the case here. However, this is the opportunity for Dolph Ziggler to prove he belongs in the main event. Dolph dose seem to have one major advantage Vicky Guerrero who has taken away Edge's favorite weapon the spear. Wither that's a bad thing though remains to be seen because Edge's spear isn't exactly the most intimidating or impressive finisher in the WWE and making him get a new one might not be the best idea. I'm just saying. I wish this feud had more build because I think it could produced some awesome promos between Edge, Ziggler, and their lady in common.
winner: Edge

The Royal Rumble
The big match itself, the biggest one yet. This year's rumble has a lot going for it. For the first time there will be more than 30 participants meaning every single wrestler now has to worry about 10 more competitors but it also means there's more glory. Also this a is a big year for fans of faction warfare, like myself, as you'll have not only the new nexus but the old one, now The Corre, going at it. I can't remember another Rumble with two opposing factions in it and it'll add a great dynamic.

One last thing to keep in mind, this last year the WWE is looking for new stars and the Rumble is the best way to make them. Winning the Rumble automatically makes you a main eventer which is why I think someone new will win it. Not only do I think someone new will win but it's very possible the winner can come out of no where which means this year more than any other any one can win. Another thing I suspect is that the winner will be a face.
Here's a look at superstars I think will make an impact.

John Cena - Like it or not Cena is the WWE's top dog and as such always a smart pick. I could see Cena being the one to face the Miz at mania especially if the Miz is still champion.

Christian - Not sure if he's ready to make a return, but if he is would make a great winner especially if Edge retains the title.

Alberto Del Rio - A rookie but a rookie on a roll. He has a lot of momentum and management likes him could easily win.

John Morrison - Has been on a role lately with his feud with Sheamus and great match with The Miz.

Wade Barrett - Already at a main event level without winning any titles. Winning the Rumble would just make it official. Really, any member of the Corre stands a good chance.

CM Punk - I feel he should have won last year, but this year works too. Especially, with Nexus watching his back.

Sheamus - Big guy. Prefect for this kinds of match's. Came into 2010 world champ, won it again then won King of the Ring. This could very well be his match to loose.

The Big Show - Bigger guy. Getting quite a bit of main stream love. Big Show vs Miz could be fun.

Rey Mysterio - Not a big guy, but is a former winner and in historic fashion.

Kane - 13 consecutive rumbles. The record for most people eliminated a single Rumble. The most dominate wrestler of the year. Kane vs Orton at Mania doesn't sound so bad.

Jack Swagger - Surprised us with MITB last year and a title run. Also the only competitor with a mascot.

Returning Superstars - HHH, Undertaker and Chrisitan are all guys who could return this Sunday. 2 of those guys won a rumble returning from injury all ready. Both could easily main event Wrestlemania against any one. Booker T has been rumored to return. Kevin Nash has tweeted his desire. HBK might be feeling the itch. Not sure of Khali's situation or if he would want another piece of phoenix. Y2J might want a rematch with Edge from last year's mania so he could return. Batista has his MMA debut coming up in a few months but I'm sure he'd make a detour.

Like I said, big Rumble this year. Lot's of possibilities, but your winner is... Christian.

Royal Rumble Predictions

Pay Per View Predictions 01.29.2011

These are my predictions for the Royal Rumble this Sunday from Boston, Mass.

Divas Championship 2 on 1 Handicap Match
Natalya(c) vs Michelle McCool & Layla
After a successful title defense against Melina on Raw, Nattie has to face her two biggest rivals once again. Either Vince doesn't think Melina deserved the ppv match or he believes LayCool are just a better fit. I personally think Natalya is representing the Divas title great but LayCool without the title just doesn't seem right. I can see LayCool winning here to start the possible feud with Beth Phoenix heading into Mania.
Winner- LayCool

WWE Championship Match
The Miz (c) vs Randy Orton
A lot of people like to bash The Miz for not being the typical champion but with the help of Orton, he has represented the title very well. Miz is playing that beatable champion part perfectly. This is one of the more memorable feuds for Orton over the year and I give both men incredible kudos for staying relevant during the whole Cena vs Nexus charade. I don't see Miz going to Mania as the champion but I don't think he loses here either. The Elimination Chamber ppv is a perfect setting for him to drop the title so he can proclaim he wasn't officially beaten for the gold. Alex Riley puts Miz at a huge advantage here and I just can't bet against him. He is well..... Awesome!
Winner- The Miz

World HeavyWeight Championship Match
Edge (c) vs Dolph Ziggler
I figured this to be an easy win for Edge. That was until Vickie added the "No Spear Allowed" stipulation which means if Edge uses his finisher then Dolph becomes the new World Champ. Being at that disadvantage, does Ziggler actually have a legitimate shot at winning his first main title. He was an incredible IC champ, he has been a work horse for the company over the last 6 months, and he is dating the current interim SD General Manager. All those signs would leave me to believe he has everything it takes to walk away with the gold around his waist. But here's the only problem; would Vince honestly allow Miz and Dolph to hold the 2 prestigues titles with his biggest pay per view right around the corner? And therein lies the problem. If this was at SummerSlam I would give the nod to Ziggler. Unfortunately, this is just bad timing for the young star. He has everything that it takes to be the face of the blue brand but I just don't see it happening at this ppv.
Winner- Edge

40-Man Royal Rumble Match
This is being advertised as the biggest Rumble in history. The 24th Royal Rumble now has 10 extra participants which to me only men one thing... more jobbers who don't stand a chance. But oh well. It could be the best match of the year as it really never disappoints. We haven't had a multiple Rumble winner for quite some time. The five past winners are Edge, Orton, Cena, Taker, and Mysterio. Orton and Edge are in title bouts so neither one can become muliti winners. Mysterio doesn't have the right story right now to win. Taker can never be counted out but I don't think he is going to be in the title picture at Mania. That's if he even makes it to Mania with all of his reoccurring injuries. That leaves me with Cena. All signs lead right to the Chain Gang leader winning this. For one, the Rumble is in Boston in which is where he is from and second, he has been the focal point of Raw since the beginning of Summer ala feud with Nexus. How about Triple H though? He has been rumored to make his return this Sunday. I can see him coming in just to eliminate Sheamus and re-spark that feud heading into Mania. Christian, Evan Bourne, and Chris Jericho could all make returns as well which is why this match is so damn special. Out of the 40 superstars, I must narrow this down to 5 possible winners. My top five are CM Punk, John Cena, John Morrison, Sheamus, and Alberto Del Rio.
Winner- John Cena