MITB Fallout

Hello one and all and welcome to another edition of The Daily Slam.We are only days removed from Money In The Bank ppv and plans for SummerSlam are already unfolding. Randy Orton looks to win the WWE Championship back but who will he face? Also, can anyone stop the newly crowned champ Big Red Machine? This and much more so let's get on with it...

If anyone who purchased the Money In The Bank pay per view didn't feel like it was worth the money than I feel bad for you. That last couple of WWE ppv's have been somewhat dull and that's typical post-WrestleMania time but this last Sunday's show was a good one. First off, Kane wins the SmackDown MITB match which was a shock to most. Then he cashes it in after Rey Mysterio successfully defends his title against Jack Swagger to become new champ. Followed by a damn good Raw MITB ladder match which the Miz may have won but I give big props to John Morrison for taking some devastating hits. Overall, with having to diva matches and the boring tag title storyline involved, I say this ppv delivered on all measures. Yes the WWE Championship cage match was a big lackluster but I figured that was gonna happen since Nexus was going to get involved. Still the right person won the match, thankfully.

The following night on Raw, they start off the show with a big #1 contenders match involving Orton, Edge, and Jericho. The Apex Predator won which is the right call since he can help Sheamus along as a legitimate champion more than Cena ever could. I wonder how many boots to the face Randy will take over the next few weeks. I don't know why the WWE doesn't have a gimmick match to get into the main event at SummerSlam like they do for WrestleMania ala the Royal Rumble winner. I think it would build the SS show more by having a huge match to determine who faces the champ at the company's biggest blockbuster of the Summer. Just food for thought.

The big question is though, who will be the WWE Champion walking into SummerSlam. Since the Miz won the MITB briefcase, he will be on a constant prowl to take the title from Sheamus at any sign of weakness. When he laid-out the Irishman on Raw and told the ref to ring the bell, I thought we were going to see a new champion right then and there. It would have been the biggest night of the Miz's career life and I bet he would have cried. I bet John Morrison wishes he could have been drafted to Raw two years ago instead of the Miz.

Diva break...

On the blue brand, Kane won the MITB match followed by winning the World title from Rey and becoming the first ever man to hold all three title in the WWE; the WWE title, World Heavy title, and ECW title. That is until the Big Show does right around the same time his movie comes out. So yea, around October I believe we'll see that happening. You'd figure Jack Swagger would be the man to take a run at Kane for his new championship but it looks as if the 'E wants Rey to get his rematch at SummerSlam. I don't like this booking so far but hopefully Swagger can be thrown into the match for a triple threat bout.

It appears that not only will Cena take on team Nexus, but he has recruited a team of people looking for revenge. Aligning with the chain gang leader is Edge, Jericho, Morrison, the Great Khali, and Evan Bourne Bret Hart. That's right, everyone's favorite old ass, pink and black wearing, sharpshooter using, revenge filled asailant is back. Remember when Nexus put Bret in the back of a limo and crashed him into like 6 different cars? Well he is all healed up and ready for a fight. I was expecting a handful of other guys to be in this match but I guess with the Undertaker and Triple H out of SummerSlam, the WWE needed to insert a legend to fill in. I only want to see one outcome of this match as of right now.... all 6 members of team Cena lock in all 6 member of team Nexus in Sharpshooters, simultaneously. The crowd would go ape shit.

Michael McGillicutty won the obstacle course of NXT which means he is safe from elimination on next week's show. Michael, I think has the best shot at winning this season. He's a 2nd gen wrestler with good in ring skills. He's not too bad on the mic and he is is the son of Mr. Perfect. Still not sure when they wouldn't leave him with the Hennig last name. Speaking of NXT, as of right now McGillicutty and Kaval are the FCW tag champs and Alex Riley is still holding onto the FCW Championship title. I don't recall any of the season one guys being title holders in development and being on the NXT roster at the same time but I could be mistaken. Doubtful though.

Knockout Break...

 This week I sat through an entire episode of TNA iMPACT. I have to say I was somewhat surprised by the talent. Oh wait, other than Bischoff phoning in, him and Hogan were no where to be scene. That explains the good show then. I like how the tag title are being determined with a best of 5 matches stipulation. Also, with Beer Money up 2 wins already, I expect MCMG to put on some good matches. The match between Samoa Joe and Jeff Hardy was actually just starting to get good until the 10 minute time limit was reached. I commend TNA to sticking time limited matches but these two kinda deserve more than 10 minutes. It means a rematch will be in the future but I feel the whole thing was unnecessary.  At the end of iMPACT, Dixie introduced the crowd to the ECW Originals and granted them their very own pay per view. This means Hard Justice is now HardCore Justice and a bunch of ECW stars will be returning for one last night. Well we've all been feed that lie before so I expect atleast half of them to stick around TNA for the rest of 2010. I just want to see Sabu fight one more time and I'll be happy. I also wasn't too thrilled with the way Tommy Dreamer spoke about "the other company". They bash the WWE like it's the devil. Last time I checked, those wrestlers are independent contractors which means if you don't like the job your in then you can leave. Sorry you had to be paid a bunch of money and be the face of a Tuesday night show Tommy, you piss poor sport. I always had big respect for Dreamer and his extreme ways but sticking around WWE for all those years only to bad mouth them on public television leave me with a negative look on his character.

Until Next Time...

...I'm Just Sayin!

Money.In.The. Bank.

Money in the Bank has been a highlight of every WrestleMania of the past 5 years. This match has given us some of our biggest stars and most spectacular moments. Like King of the Ring before it, it has catapulted many mid carders to super stardom. In fact, it has a 100% of the time in so much as every individual who has cashed in their money in the bank briefcase won a would championship.



However, I would be remiss if I didn't point out a few things. While an amazing concept match, I feel having giving it its own ppv is a mistake. A large part of the MITB's greatness was that you never knew when it was going to be cashed in or which champion it would be cashed in on and having two at the same time may add to some fun moments but I feel ultimately would kill some of the suspense. Besides, wouldn't it have been more prudent to have a war games ppv instead where team Cena fights team Nexus.Now for the predictions.

UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: The Hart Dynasty vs. the Uso's



This match makes me sad for the tag division. The Uso's have been great since their debut, same with the Hart Dynasty. Still, you cant have a solid division with just two teams. I'll go with the hart dynasty on this one because I feel the belts will get caught up in the nexus storyline and there aren't really any face teams to challenge the USO's

Winners: Better then the best.



DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH:Alicia Fox(c) vs. Eve



It's kinda remarkable that this match doesn't feature a blond. The diva division on Raw may feature the most diversity of any division in all of pro wrestling history. Alica Fox needs a win, but i don't think the wwe really cares.

Winner: Eve by DQ



WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Layla(c) vs. Kelly Kelly



Wow, 2 women's matches on one card, Let's see if combined they'll get 5 minutes. After the draft, I was excited for the smackdown woman's division. It looked like they started to care. That didn't exactly pan out. Still, they've done an all right job building to this match so let's see what happens.

Winner: Layla



WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Rey Mysterio(c) vs. Jack

Swagger



Jack Swagger was robbed by the masked man. Now, he gets his title back. This is going to be a nice juxtaposition of styles with Swagger's size and armature background and Mysterio's speed and power of flight. Swagger should win here,but I'm counting on a non finish and for Swagger to reclaim his title at Summerslam.

Winner: The 6!!!! 1!!!!! 9!!!!!



STEEL CAGE MATCH FOR THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP: Sheamus(c) vs. John Cena



I really can't tell you. It .could go either way. We may even get a third participant. We may get a face turn for Sheamus. It's all really about Nexus. Yea.

Winner: Sheamus?



RAW MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH: Randy Orton vs. John Morrison vs. Mark Henry vs. Evan Bourne vs. Ted DiBiase Jr. vs. Chris Jericho vs. Edge vs. The Miz



Orton: Has his feud with Edge and has Bourne out for him. Would be perfect person to have something like MITB, you'll never know when he will strike.



John Morrison; My personal favorite for this match and he should spectacular in it. He's in the same spot where Edge and Punk was when they first won threes. Still, I don't think Vince sees it as his time.



Mark Henry: He may end up winning just as a WTF moment and he wouldn't exactly be a bad person to hold it.



Evan Bourne: Coming in with some momentum and part of me thinks he'll win. Even if he doesn't this could be a star making performance for him, just call him Shelton Benjamin 2010.



Ted DiBiase Jr.: Big match for him, but I don't see him winning. Then again who saw swagger winning.



Jericho: Chris Jericho with the briefcase would be a lot of fun. He doesn't need it, but hey why not?



Edge: Poor Edge. He's been in two feuds this year that should have been great but both have underperformed. Not to take away from his history with Money in the bank because no one has more history with this then him, but both Orton and Jericho have beef with him and every1 else sees him as the #1 threat. Still, if there's an opportunity open...

The Miz: The only reason the miz won't win is because it would be obvious. This is his night.

Winner: Hard match to call as in everyone could win, but I have to go with the Miz.


SMACKDOWN MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH: Big Show vs. Matt Hardy vs. Christian vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Kane vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler

Big Show: Seriously, do they have a latter that wont break? Dose he even need one? I like show I was excited to see him get a title shot when he came to Smackdown, but I don't see him winning.

Matt Hardy: My initial instinct is no chance in hell, but if he will ever get a shot at the main event this is it.

Christian: My personal favorite for this match. Smackdown could use another main eventer and it's his time and his kind of match. He has shown the same kind of heelish attitude Edge had when he first won the briefcase.

Kofi: Should be great int his kind of environment and the wwe has shown this guy some love so he could very well win this here.

Cody Rhodes: I like his solo run better than his former partner and but I don't see him winning.

Kane: One of the most underrated guys in the biz, but his time in the main event I think is over.
Drew McIntyre: Apparently being the chosen one is not just a gimmick as he was apparently scheduled to win MitB at mania and here before his visa troubles. I think it would be a mistake to give Drew this kind of push now.
Dolph Ziggler: Poor guy can't seem to catch a break. He's got all the tools to be a star and this would be the perfect chance to give him a shot.
Winner: Christian

Money In The Bank Preview

This Sunday, the WWE is taking their fan favorite concept match from WrestleMania and forming it's very own Pay Per View gimmick. The Money In The Bank matches have given us some of the greatest "Oh My God!" moments and has been a launching pad for so many young stars. Would Edge, CM Punk, and the latest winner Jack Swagger been given such a huge push without their victories? Who's to say. But by holding a  briefcase that grants them a championship match at anytime & anywhere, it's the perfect opportunity to win a top title. Will Edge or Punk once again walk out victorious or will a new main eventer be born by standing tall on top of the ladder? My Pay Per View Predictions...

UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
The Hart Dynasty(c) vs. The Usos
 This feud has been dragged out so much as of late and hopefully this match ends the sharade. The Uso's are the new bullies on the block and even though are very talented on the mic, they haven't shown anything too special in the ring (at least in tv matches). The only way I see the Harts dropping the titles is a.) Tamina gets involved and the finish is dirty or b.) the 'E wants the a rematch to happen at SummerSlam. I still lean towards the Harts and the beautiful Natie to pull of the 'W'.
Winner- The Hart Dynasty


DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Alicia Fox(c) vs. Eve
Apparently the WWE is really big on Alicia's work and look. Tall, beautiful, and bad ass finishing move. It doesn't really matter who walks away the winner because Melina will be back any day now and she's top diva in my book. I'll say Fox pulls out a foxy finish.
 Winner- Alicia Fox


WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Layla(c) vs. Kelly Kelly
I don't get how they announce them as co-champions on SmackDown but yet Layla has to defend her title solo. Doesn't seem fair. I hate to see LayCool lose the gold but Kelly Kelly is so over with the crowd that they don't even remember Mickie James anymore. Layla should retain but this will be my shocker of the night.
Winner- Kelly Kelly

Diva Break...

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Rey Mysterio(c) vs. Jack Swagger
Rey suprised us all by winning the title at Fatal 4Way since he's was rumored to be taking time off to heal up. By having the masked warrior winning, it seems that Rey is healthy enough for a title run and I don't see any reason for him to lose the gold right back to Swagger. If the Undertaker was to return next month then I'd say Swagger wins here so they could feud. If Rey drops the belt then it was a poor choice for him to win in the first place.
Winner- Rey Mysterio


STEEL CAGE MATCH FOR THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
Sheamus(c) vs. John Cena
The somewhat boring guy vs jar of mayonnaise. I would prefer seeing Sheamus walk into SummerSlam the champion but without Cena in the main event could lower buy-rates for the WWE. Having Sheamus lose the title would make his second reign look even more like a fluke then his first did. I say let the young cat walk into the Summer's biggest stage as the champion to see if he has what it takes to become top heel. And if this match is last on the card, maybe a suprise "cash in" could happen and a first time champ could be crowned. That'd shock the hell out of some fans.
Winner- Sheamus


RAW MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
Randy Orton vs. John Morrison vs. Mark Henry vs. Evan Bourne vs. Ted DiBiase Jr. vs. Chris Jericho vs. Edge vs. The Miz
This is the more top "dogs" match and will probably be less hardcore than the SD version but after seeing Orton RKO Bourne mid-air, I think this match could the better of the two. All these guys will probably hit their finisher atlerast once if not multiple times. Randy doesn't need a briefcase for a title shot, he's the viper and does what he wants anyways. Morrison is almost there but winning won't put him over. Henry doesn't have a shot in the dark. Bourne is a rising star in the company and his stock keeps growing in popularity. I could him winning only to be the first MITB holder to lose when he cashes in. DiBiase would look good holding a gold briefcase and rub it in everyone's face. Plus, Maryse gives him an upper hand in my book. Jericho, like Orton, really doesn't need to win since he's always a contender. Also Y2J might be taking time off this fall to tour with Fozzy so it doesn't make much sense for him. This leave Edge and Miz. My two favorites to be victorious for different reasons. Edge because he has mastered this type of match and has made "cashing in the briefcase" so damn interesting. I mean, there is a reason he's called the Ultimate Opportunist. The Miz on the other hand, with the win, would bump up to the next level which is where he needs to be as a legitimate threat for the WWE Championship on any night. He's done everything correct in the 'E since his arrival and I think it's his time. He's almost followed the footsteps of Edge in a sense. I think Edge has the best odds of winning but I'm going with the "Awesome" one.
 Winner- The Miz

SMACKDOWN MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
Big Show vs. Matt Hardy vs. Christian vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Kane vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler
Even though this match has two "big guys" involved, there will be some serious high flying spots. With Hardy, Christian, and Kingston all being big time risk takers, this match will make it worth spending the money. I don't think it will steal the show but these guys will put on one hell of a performance. I can cross off Matt Hardy and Ziggler since neither are in any spot to deserve a title match. Rhodes also seems like a very unlikely winner even though he is Dashing. The Big Show falls in that same category of guys who really don't need to hold a briefcase for a Championship bout.  This leaves Christian, Kingston, and McIntyre. Kingston is a top face on the blue brand but I think still has a long run  of IC Champ before his big break. McIntyre is the so-called "Chosen One" so it could make sense for him and I prefer heels holding a title contract because their mischievous. But, I have to say not only does Christian look like the odds on favorite but damn it, he deserves to win. Ever since returning to WWE, he has put on some of the best matches, put over plenty of younger talent ala Sheamus and Swagger, and has always been in most fans eyes as a top contender. He no longer deserves to be treated like the Jannety of E&C and needs his own spotlight. By winning and cashing it in on Raw against Edge (if he was champ) would be one of the greatest moments in the 'E's history. If Rey leaves due to injury soon, Christian could take over as a top face on SD other than the Taker. There are so many possibilities with Captain Charisma winning that I don't see why Vince wouldn't want him to. He's my choice and I'll be royally pissed if he doesn't walk out vivtorious.
Winner- Christian

Until Next Time...

... I'm Just Sayin!

The Nexus Runs Wild

Hello one and all and welcome to another edition of The Daily Slam. This week I do a quick recap of Raw with my take on story-lines, what's expected this Sunday, and other tidbits going on in the sports entertainment business.

Let's get started...

Throughout this week's edition of Raw, The Nexus had confrontations with Yoshi Tatsu, Evan Bourne, and John Morrison all backstage. Inevitably all three were beat down like little bitches to prove a point that Nexus will take out anyone that they feel deserve it. There's nothing like a good 6 on 1 ass whooping followed by them standing over you in dominant fashion. I see where they want to make Nexus look unstoppable but backstage beat downs are not the way to do it. They should interrupt matches or even right after a bout has ended and just beat the living piss out the wrestlers in the ring. The WWE is doing a good job building these guys but putting them in front of the audience instead of the titan-tron would come off much better. The final match ended with Nexus beating John Cena in a handicap match. Having the faction win was the right choice and it makes Nexus look dominant even though it was six on one.

With the help from the Miz, R-Truth was replaced in Raw's Money In The Bank ladder match by Mark Henry. Not sure if that's best pick on the roster but it does give that match their "big guy" which means people working together to take him out. Well that's what you'd imagine but the Miz proved he can do this on his own followed by tossing garbage all over his body. With all the other contenders having their own mini feuds; Edge/Orton, Jericho/Bourne, Morrison/DiBiase, I don't see how Miz isn't the hands down favorite to win the briefcase.

Diva Break...

Speaking of mini-feuds leading into MITB, the Randy Orton vs Edge match on Raw did not disappoint. The heel got the victory via help from another heel. This followed by Jericho taking out Edge with the Codebreaker followed by Orton taking out Jericho finished with Bourne hitting attempting a Shooting Star Press but was caught mid-air by the Viper who delivered a vicious RKO. With this shocking maneuver, Orton just won himself a Slammy award.



Other Rasslin' News...

It has been confirmed that Triple H had surgery on his arm recently which may delay his return. With SummerSlam next month, I doubt the King of Kings will be facing off against Sheamus as expected. This is good and bad news. The good is that this means the continuation of newer stars are the main focus going into the Summer's biggest show like Sheamus, Evan Bourne, and Nexus. The bad is that with him and Taker both on the shelf, can these young guys be enough to draw in the buy rates that the WWE needs to make a profit. Oh hell what do I care, I love seeing Sheamus and Jack Swagger in title matches.

Melina has been cleared to step back into the four sided ring. She was supposed to return the other day in OVW but was told she would not be on the card. I don't see her being left off of tv for too much longer. They can only have so many matches involving Gail Kim, Eve, Alicia Fox, and Maryse. Or can they?!?! Melina returning is a blessing from God for all of us. And with that news...

Diva Break...

The WWE has yet to announce any more guest hosts for Raw for the month of July. Even though that is in itself great news, they posted on their website that the guest host concept will continue. I don't know if the WWE just doesn't have the time/writing for the guest hosts right now or not enough "celebs" want to be part of the show. I think a little time off from this idea is a good thing so they can focus more on the build towards SummerSlam. I haven't noticed an increase in tv ratings lately so maybe the concept has run it's course. At least until they get the Rock to agree for a one time appearance.

Semi-Spoilers Alert; on this week's edition of Friday Night SmackDown... CM Punk gets his masked ripped off by the Big Show, which in my book means must see television! Also, Jack Swagger has a special guest accompany him to the ring but it doesn't end well.

Well that is all for this week. I will post my Money In The Bank Pay-Per-View predictions tomorrow. I leave you with one last diva picture.

I just couldn't resist posting a Trish Stratus performing Yoga pic. I miss her so much.

Until Next Time... 

... I'm Just Sayin!

Cena To Face Consequences

Hello one and all and welcome to another end of the week edition of The Daily Slam. In this post, I will give my thoughts on Cena disobeying the mystery GM, the Money In The Bank ppv, Serena committed a straight edge no-no, and how Christian could be facing a heel turn.

Welcome to The Daily Slam!

At the conclusion of Raw, Wade Barrett were supposed to shake hands and call a truce between them. Cena declines to Wade's proposition to bury the hatchet and instead sets him up for the FU. Nexus then runs in to ruin the party followed by some of the Raw roster to help out. The only two left standing was Cena and his black twin removed from birth. The mystery GM via email tells Cena to stop this madness or he will face consequences. Apparently Cena doesn't listen Michael Cole or his laptop which leads to Cena locking Young in the STF. The GM then orders Cena vs the entire Nexus group next week which follows John to lead a crazy rampage of a beat down on Darren Young. He leaves him lying on the ground with the announcer table flipped over his lifeless body. Cena is entering into a anti-authority figure meat head role here and if the WWE isn't careful, it's going to lead into a non-PG show. I mean who wouldn't want to see Cena vs Black Cena in a first blood match? Then they can test DNA samples and reunite the separated family members.

The MITB PPV is only weeks away and most of the participants have been added. The Raw match looks much different than the SD one. On one hand, you have Edge, Orton, and Jericho whom all are former champions. I can honestly see one of those three top competitors walking away the victor and holding a "anytime/anywhere" title bout. The Big Show & Kane are the only former champs in the Smackdown match and I don't think neither are favorites to win the briefcase. It appears that damage to R-Truth's arm as a result of a ruthless Miz beat-down will leave him out of the match and open a vacant spot for a new participant. I say they have a Nexus battle royal to insert one of those guys.

The beautiful and yet bald diva, Serena, was caught in a bar drinking some "poison" which is a big time slap on the wrist when it comes to Straight-Edge living. CM Punk has since forgiven her as she was able to prove to Kane that Punk was not the Undetaker's culprit. Punk wasn't too happy about people knowing about her "sin" but it the long run it will help keep him safe from the Big Red Machine. Luke Gallows on the other hand is not too happy. It looks like Gallows lives by the strike one and your out rule. Tensions are beginning to flare up withing SES and a possible break-up is on the horizon. One of the best stories on tv and yet the WWE only talks about Nexus.

Christian wants to win the briefcase so bad that it appears he will break friendships to do so. Him and Matt Hardy first had a confrontation on the Peep Show then this last SD he walked out on his tag partner mid match leaving him to the wolves. I hope this is just a short term rip in his character because forming a heel Christian would only leave the possibility of Edge vs. Christian at Mania to very low odds. Also, once Rey does take his much needed time off to heal up, Christian could take place as a top face on Friday nights and contend for the title. It's only what we've all wanted since he rejoined the 'E.

Until Next Time.... 

  ... I'm Just Sayin!