Draft Fall-Out

Welcome one and all to another post of insight and deep thoughts on the world of professional wrestling. This week's post we reflect on the Extreme Rules pay per view results, the Draft, and the tag titles changing hands.

Welcome to The Daily Slam!

We all witnessed greatness this past Sunday during the Extreme Rules pay per view. No it wasn't that John Cena beat Batista once more, but it was how incredible I am at predicting the winners. I hate to boost my ego any further but the only match I had incorrect was the Women's title and who really cares about that. Really? Really? Anyways, Swagger and Cena retained while Punk showed once again that he is better than everyone else because that's what straight-edge means. Also, Edge defeated Jericho while The Celtic Warrior, Sheamus, gave Triple H a brutal beat down which means he will be taking some much needed time off. Maybe he should shoot a movie.

This year's WWE Draft was not exactly what I had expected. The main moves were John Morrison, R-Truth, Edge, and Chris Jericho went to Raw with SmackDown getting Kelly Kelly, The Big Show, Christian, and Kofi Kingston. SmackDown was hurt a little bit by having Edge and Jericho return to Raw but with Batista on the outs, moving a major heel to the "A" show was needed.

This hurts the "B" show for the time being but will eventually work itself out since new main-eventers will be made. I see a good five way battle for the Heavy-Weight championship with Swagger, Punk, Taker, Big Show, and Christian. This means the mid carders like Matt Hardy, Ziggler and McIntyre get some new faces to battle with such as Rhodes, MVP, and Kofi. We will miss the Friday Night Delight but the Ballin' one will replace that void.

Now on Raw, the Miz can focus on defending his United States title a little more. I can see him feuding with Morrison right away then having matches against R-Truth. The Raw roster looks stacked in the main-event area but i think their mid carders are impressive with JoMo, Truth, Miz, DiBiase, Zeke, Regal, Yoshi, Bourne, Goldust and Ryder. Being on Raw means one thing.... exposure. No more silly comedy and let's get back to rasslin' since the talent is there.

The WWE started off their special 3 hour Raw with a Unified Tag Title match which resulted in the Hart Dynasty becoming new gold holders. It was expected for ShoMiz to drop the titles and it couldn't come at a better time. Having the belts on a normal so-called tag team other than two possible main-eventers was a wise move. I like seeing the Harts wrestle and now they get the chance to be on both shows. I guess we now know all the stipulations on Bret Hart returning to the company. Public apology from Shawn, check. Beat Vince one on one, check. The Hart Dynasty get more recognition, check. Is it time for Bret for finally say good-bye? Doubtful.

Until Next Time... I'm Just Sayin!

WWE Draft Preview & Predictions

The annual WWE Draft is upon us once again. We are only hours removed from the Extreme Rules pay per view and tonight's Raw will be a special 3 hour show. I am assuming the Draft will be the same process as it has been for the past few years; a superstar from each show will compete and whomever the winner is, that brand gets a random pick from the roster. I don't particularly like this concept but without having a General Manager on Raw, there is no reason for a traditional type of draft.

Many superstars need to be moved due to lack of people to feud with and others need to be moved just to give their characters a fresh look. There is always one major problem with moving wrestlers from one show to another and that is the championships. I can't imagine them having the Intercontinental or United States championships on one brand so you must take that into consideration. This is the current roster and which categories I place the superstars:

Raw Roster

Main Event

Faces – John Cena, Randy Orton, Triple H
Heels – Sheamus

Mid-Card

Faces - Evan Bourne, Christian, Kofi Kingston, MVP

Heels – Ted DiBiase, The Big Show, The Miz, Cody Rhodes
 

Low-Card

Faces – Primo Colon, Santino Marella, Mark Henry, Yoshi Tatsu
Heels – Carlito, Chavo Guerrero, Vladimir Kozlov, Chris Masters, William Regal, Zack Ryder

Diva's

Faces – Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim, Melina, Eve Torres, Bella Twins
Heels – Rosa Mendes, Alicia Fox, Jillian Hall, Maryse

SmackDown Roster
Main Event

Faces – Edge, The Undertaker
Heels – Batista, Chris Jericho, Jack Swagger
 

Mid-Card

Faces – John Morrison, Rey Mysterio, R-Truth, JTG, Kane, Matt Hardy, Tyson Kidd, David Hart Smith
Heels – Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, Luke Gallows, Shad Gaspard, Ezekiel Jackson, Dolph Ziggler 

Low-Card

Faces– Finlay, Goldust, 

Heels – Trent Baretta, Caylen Croft

Diva's

Faces – Natalya, Beth Phoenix, Tiffany
Heels – Layla El, Michelle McCool, Serena

I'm going with each brand getting six picks on the Monday night Raw show.

Raw to SmackDown
Randy Orton
Kofi Kingston
Big Show
Ted DiBiase
Christian
Gail Kim


SmackDown to Raw
Batista
Edge
Drew McIntyre
John Morrison
Shad
Michelle McCool

Now the supplemental draft will take place on Wednesday and I think the superstars should be moved as follows:

Raw to SmackDown
William Regal
Carlito
Zack Ryder
Rosa Mendes


SmackDown to Raw
Goldust
R-Truth
Layla El
Tiffany

This is a total of 10 superstars/divas moved from each show to the other. Without having ECW anymore, I think this is the maximum number of moves the company will make to shake things up a little bit. My biggest concern here is the rumors of Batista leaving the company shortly. In this case, they need another top heel on Raw which could be perfect for the Miz, Drew McIntyre or even Edge to return to his natural roots.

Until Next Time... I'm Just Sayin!

eXtreme Predictions

WWE EXTREME RULES 2010 PAY PER VIEW PREDICTIONS

Strap Match: Shad Gaspard vs. JTG

Tag partners turning on each other are nothing new. The question is not who's going to win but can either get over on their own more then they did as a team. Shad has gotten more mic time so I'll go with him.
Winner: The black one 

Street Fight: Sheamus vs. Triple H

The young up and comer trying to take an established veterans place. this is a match I'm looking forward too if only street fights tend to be HHH's forte. Worst case scenario we get two big guys kicking each others ass. If this feud is going to continue Sheamus needs to pick up the win.

Winner: HHH 

Punk's Hair vs Rey Rey's Freedom

I hope these two will actually get some time with this one as they could have an incredible match. The ultimate underdog's speed and high flying offense vs Punk's cunning and straight edge technical skills. After this match, we may have a new member of the SES because i hate the thought of a bald Punk.

Winner: Self Respect(Hopefully) 

Steel Cage Match: Edge vs. Chris Jericho

This is one of the most disappointing feuds I can remember. These are the two most well-rounded performers in the WWE and while they deserved their title spot at Mania it was a little underwhelming. That's what happens when you build a feud around the less effective finisher in professional wrestling. I'm thinking Jericho wins here and their feud turns into a tag war as Jericho seems to be starting a feud with christian on NXT.

Winner: Jerikco!!! 

Extreme Makeover Women's Title Match: Michelle McCool vs. Beth Phoenix

Michelle McCool you will now know the name of the one true God. Beth Phoenix. That is all.

Winner: Glamazon 

Extreme Rules World Title Match: Jack Swagger vs. Randy Orton

High stakes booking. Neither man can afford a loss here with Orton still finding his way as a face and Swagger going from joke to champ in about a week. This is my pick for match of the night since you have two solid in ring performers with the to best story-lines of the year thus far.

Winner: The All American All American World Champion 

Last Man Standing WWE Title Match: John Cena vs. Batista

It's a shame that Batista waited this long to get good and I'm starting to think he's putting in the extra effort because he wants to leave on a good note. Anyway he isn't leaving with the title so that leaves...

Winner and still champion: John Cena

Extreme Rules '10

Extreme Rules has taken over for the previous Backlash show which normally features rematches from WrestleMania. These are my predictions for the Extreme Rules 2010 pay per view.

* Strap Match: Shad Gaspard vs. JTG
They started as a dominate tag team who were released from their contracts only to be re-signed and feud mainly with the Hart Dynasty has finally split up. There is no more Money Money, Yeah Yeah. This match is all about who is the better superstar from this once great tandem of street thugs.  Shad has revealed his inner heel and is tired of carrying his long time friend. All teams eventually split up and are thrown into the singles pool while trying to sink or swim. This match will show if they can actually work well as singles seeing as they should know each others move-set pretty damn well. Shouldn't be more than 5 minutes of punches followed by a nifty high fly move by JTG to pick up the win.
Winner- JTG 

* Street Fight: Sheamus vs. Triple H

The veteran vs the rookie round II with sledgehammers and steel pipes. I normally like street fights but not in the PG era for one reason... no blood. How can u hit someone countless times on steel steps and sledgehammers without breaking open the skin. This should end the feud between these two, and since Triple H won the Mania match, I'll give the nudge to the Celtic Warrior. Don't be surprised by screwy finish (interference by someone else, not real screws)
Winner- Sheamus 

* If CM Punk Loses, He Loses His Hair: Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk
On Raw, we got a little glimpse of what could happen to Punk if he loses which means I doubt the "Savior" will be defeated on Sunday. Punk gives everything to the wrestling business but I doubt losing his hair will be one of them. I imagine Gallows and Serena will have some influence in this match which gives Punk the upper hand in any situation.
Winner- CM Punk 

*Steel Cage Match: Edge vs. Chris Jericho

This is the one match that would tempt me to purchase this pay per view. Two of the best wrestlers on the roster in 4 sides of steel is a dream match. If it is even close to as good as their Mania match, it will surely steal the show. There is one key difference between this match and the Mania match... no championship on the line. Edge should get the pin-fall here after using the Spear!
Winner- The Ultimate Opportunist

* Extreme Makover Women's Title Match: Michelle McCool vs. Beth Phoenix
 This match will take less than 3 minutes which mean I won't elaborate anymore than one sentence.
Winner- Michelle McCool 

* Extreme Rules World Title Match: Jack Swagger vs. Randy Orton
The new World Champion gets his shot one of the best in the game. Orton is so over as a face with the fans it has to making Cena a little jealous. Who would have guessed that bad ass persona would work? Oh yea, Stone Cold. Duh. This title defense will either make Swagger look like a true main-eventer or a one and done champ. Let's hope he continues a nice title reign. But if Orton wins, he could be the top face champion on the blue brand after the draft is complete. Doubtful. I'll say give the young guy a chance to shine.
Winner- The All American American 

* Last Man Standing WWE Title Match: John Cena vs. Batista

These two had a terrific performance at Mania which means I expect nothing less than 20 minutes of them barely standing up on the count of 9. I would like to see Batista walk away with the title because I think a heel of his level only looks more dominate as champion but unfortunately it's hard to beat a man who doesn't seem to have a weak spot. Cena doesn't lose cause he's a glorified douche.
Winner- John Cena 


I will post my WWE Draft predictions on Monday since the winners of the championship matches will have a big influence on my decisions. Until Next Time... I'm Just Sayin!

Rob Van Dam?!?

Welcome one and all to another post of insight and deep thoughts on the world of professional wrestling. In the week's post: TNA crowns a new champions one night after their Lockdown pay per view. The WWE can't fly across the pond in time for Raw so substitutions were made. Also, the E cuts out the roster fat right before their big "draft" day. So without further ado...

Welcome to The Daily Slam!

At TNA's Lockdown ppv (which I predicted most of the winners), AJ Styles retained his championship while Kurt Angle defeated Mr Anderson only to say goodbye to wrestling for awhile. I was happy to see AJ hold the gold but sad to see Angle begin begin his sabbatical. The next night on Impact is where TNA not only surprised me but disappointed me. RVD beat Jeff Hardy for a shot at AJ's title in which he then defeated The Phenomenal One. How in the hell does TNA expect me to believe that a man who wrestled his ass off on Sunday night comes right back to win two matches the following night? Additionally, one of those matches are against the company's champion. I'm okay with RVD winning the title (even though I'd prefer Hardy, Pope, or Wolfe) just not the night after a major pay per view. That's like Swagger beating Cena the night after WrestleMania in a one on one match w/o cashing in the briefcase while the champ is already down. Stuff like this should not happen.

In all honesty, I think this was a move to boost ratings and not story-lines which hurts their credibility in my book. Titles should not change hands on a whim. I'm surprised Rob Van Dam  was even able to make it to Tuesday nights Impact taping after all the smoking him and Hardy probably did since it was 4/20. Hopefully this doesn't hurt Styles character since he did lose the belt without any help from Ric Flair. TNA has too many main-eventers all eyeballing for the title right now but long term title reigns can only help a company, not hurt it. RVD needs to have good title defenses for me to be on board with this Hogan decision.

This week's Monday Night Raw Smackdown was full of blue brand superstars due the volcanic ash spread across Europe which resulted in grounding all air travel back to the US. This hurt Raw in a major role since their 3 hour Draft show was only a week away. But when life throws you lemons, you make lemonade which means you bring in the Undertaker. Jack Swagger threw out a challenge to anyone in the back which normally brings out Santino is a quick squash but instead sparked the sound of the "dong". The Deadman and Swagger put on a terrific match which was almost pay per view worthy. I have no problem with Taker winning against the Champ mainly in fact that he is the Deadman. No one looks bad by losing to him via tombstone piledriver.

As of this morning, The E has released 7 superstars: Mickie James, Katie Lea Burchill, Shelton Benjamin, Kung Fu Naki, Slam Master J Mike Knox, and Jimmy Wang Yang. The company always releases people for whom they don't have anything for in the near future every Spring season. It's a good thing this has come right before the Draft. I admire their move to let go of wrestlers who could be stars in TNA or RoH. Take D'Angelo Dinero and Mr Anderson for example. I honestly hope Shelton Benjamin gets a shot at greatness somewhere soon because he has major talent and a lot to offer to young stars.

That is all for this week's short post but my Extreme Rules and WWE Draft Predictions will be posted soon.

Until Next Time... I'm Just Sayin!

New Champions Are Crowned

After a one week hiatus from blogging, I have returned to share my insight on the world of professional wrestling. In this week's post; Jack Swagger has a contender for his championship, a new diva wins the gold, David Otunga is making a name for himself, ShoMiz is considered the greatest tag team of all time, and much more. So without further ado...

Welcome to The Daily Slam!

Since my last post on Taipei Deathmatch, The All American American Jack Swagger won his first World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Chris Jericho on Smackdown after cashing in the briefcase. Originally the #1 contender for the title was going to be between Jericho or Edge but after a double DQ, Randy Orton has been given the honor. I absolutely love this direction the WWE is going. They can continue the Jericho/Edge feud and give Swagger a major face to learn the ropes from. Orton is so over with the crowd that this helps the champ become more of a legit title holder if he prevails at Extreme Rules. Swagger has the charisma, in-ring ability, and a main event look that I can see him becoming a top heel in no time.

There is only one problem with Jack Swagger... his mic skills. We are all aware of his small speech impediment and the E is exploiting it. I have a major problem with this. When the challengers are making fun of the champ in this manor I feel that is downgrades the title holder a smudge. They need to build up Swagga as a dominate force and having contenders poke fun of him like children do on the playground only diminishes his stature in my opinion. Swagger joins a long list of great World Title holders (Jericho, Undertaker, Kurt Angle, Triple H, Great Khali, Chris Benoit)  and he should be very proud of what the company has bestowed upon him.

The lovely Maryse was defeated on Raw by Eve to become the new Divas Champion. The match was so-so with the crowd being dead silent. I can only imagine they would do this title swap only to have a rematch at Extreme Rules. I like Eve as a champion because she actually has so good in-ring ability but she hasn't done any mic work that I can recall. Let's hope Maryse gets the title back soon because she is the only reason I continue to watch the divas on Raw. On a side note; the E needs Melina to return fast!

David Otunga hosted Raw last week only to leave Cena high and dry in a tag match. Then he returns this week to face Cena one on one. He also gets some promo time with Batista then the Hoff. Otunga was squashed by John Cena during his match on Raw but that's expected since he was facing the Champ. I can honestly say that Vince has found his favorite rookie to push. Even if Daniel Bryan wins the NXT season, David "A-List" Otunga will become the rookie breakout star.

Bret Hart returned this week to Raw for the 27th time in 2010 to correct the Miz when he said that ShoMiz will go down as the "Greatest Tag Team of All-Time!" Bret got an easy pop from the crowd by mentioning the British Bulldogs and the Hart Foundation where really the great tag teams because they were together for years. Now Bret is my favorite wrestler of the '90's but let's not forget the New Age Outlaws, Edge & Christian, The Dudleyz, or the Hardyz who have all held the tag titles more times than anyone else. I know it's all in the storyline so Bret has to say that but any real wrestling fan knows who the greatest tag teams are. I just figured I would clear up any confusion in case people believe everything Bret says. Anyways, The Miz defeated DH Smith on Raw which means Bret now has to admit ShoMiz is the "greatest tag team of all time" on this upcoming Raw. I imagine he will somehow talk them into putting up their tag title at Extreme Rules against the Harts but it should be a good 10 minutes of Miz saying "Really Bret?" which I am okay with. I would go ape shit if E&C would make an appearance and issue a challenge but that's highly doubtful.

Additional Slams!...

This Sunday is TNA's ppv Lockdown. On paper, this card looks good but with Hogan/Bischoff pulling the strings I imagine there will be some sort of cluster-fuck involved. It's really becoming a given on weekly basis. The matches are as follows with my predictions;
AJ Styels (C) vs D'Angelo Dinero. Winner- Styles
Team Hogan vs Team Flair. Winner- Team Hogan
Kurt Angle vs Mr Anderson. Winner- Mr Anderson
Douglas Williams (C) vs. Kazarian vs. Shannon Moore. Winner- Kazarian
Kevin Nash vs Eric Young. Winner- Nash
Team 3D vs The Band. Winner- Team 3D
The Beautiful People (C) vs. Angelina Love (c) and Tara. Winner- Beautiful PPL
James Storm vs. Rob Van Dam. Winner- R V D !!!
The Motor City Machineguns vs. Brian Kendrick and Homicide. Winner- Machine Guns

I honestly put no thought into picking my predictions because I have lost all intrest in TNA Wrestling. I am happy to see The Pope and Mr Anderson in good feuds though. I only have one question for Hogan... where in the hell is Samoa Joe? I bet Vince has room on the roster for someone who is vastly over with the fans.

On a final note, the WWE Draft is less than 2 weeks away on a special 3 hour Raw. I haven't heard on how the draft will be done but I assume it will be the random computer drawing as used in years past. I miss the General Managers drafting individuals because it added a little but to the story-lines. Unfortunately by having guest hosts every week on Raw, we miss out on those kind of interactions. Good thing SmackDown has two people in charge to make up for what Raw is lacking. I will post my Draft predictions that same Monday following the Extreme Rules pay per view since the results could alter my thoughts on who should go to which brand. Well that is all for this week.

Until Next Time... I'm Just Sayin!

No More Heart Break Kid

Welcome to The Daily Slam!

With the biggest pay per view of the year behind us, it's that time of year where new story-lines are developed, new stars are born, and some superstars find new homes. On Raw, Jack Swagger almost cashed in his briefcase. The Hart Dynasty turned face as they took on ShowMiz. Orton dominated like only a viper can. And finally, Shawn Michaels says good bye to all the fans as he closes the book on his successful career.

Jack Swagger, the All American American Mr Money In the Bank, took out the WWE Champ, John Cena, and was seconds away from cashing in his briefcase. The fact that whomever holds the briefcase can randomly cash it in gives it so much more credibility. The champion has to watch his back at all moments. It should be interesting to see how far the WWE will push Swagger if (or when) he wins the gold. Also, with the draft around the corner, which show would be better suited for a new champion? I'd prefer Raw to help build his character but SmackDown always has better wrestling which he is capable of. Time will only tell.

Bret Hart accompanied the Hart Dynasty to take on the Unified Tag Champs, ShowMiz. This face turn should have happened when Bret had originally came back to the company. The Harts have been jobbing for awhile now and they deserve a little push since that have incredible talent. I guess Cryme Tyme will just have to face someone else on a week in week out basis, unless they split those two up.

John Cena needed to pick a partner to take on Batista and Swagger. Of course you'd want to take the most deadly superstar in the locker room, Randy Orton. The only problem I had with this was the fact that Cena didn't really have a problem with Orton. Those two have had such bad blood for one another over the years. It would have been better for Cena to say "I am going out on a limb here, but I need someone who hates Batista just as much as I do". Also, after Orton cleans house and picks up the win, he should have rko'd Cena as well. You know, Stone Cold style. Don't trust anyone.

Raw ended with one of the best "from my heart" speeches I have ever heard. Shawn Michaels' has earned a lot of respect for the way he has handled his departure. I honestly think he is finished wrestling all together. I imagine we will get a guest-host spot or maybe an eventual special guest referee job for the Hear Break Kid. Shawn is probably a little upset with how Flair has handled his retirement but unlike Flair, Shawn knows how to keep his money instead of spending it on divorces. The Taker/HBK match was a perfect way to go out and he will be missed every Monday night. I wish the Showstopper all the best in whatever he takes on in life.

Until Next Time... I'm Just Sayin!