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

Ready to Rumble

The Daily Slam 01.28.11

World Champ vs WWE Champ, Cena pulls another shenanigan, Rated RKO returned, and possible Rumble returns.

The Miz and Edge were in a champion vs champion match on Raw that saw Ziggler interfere for a DQ finish. This was a solid match that helped extend the feuds of each individual. Dolph Ziggler was on commentary for the match up until he decided to blind side Edge. During the beat-down though, Randy Orton came out for retribution against the Miz from last week's attack. This was a great bout over all and I can see these two having a feud down the road before Edge retires possibly in 2012.

Over on SmackDown though, the former tag team Rated RKO took on the Miz and Ziggler. This match alone is why SD is the better show week in and week out. The chemistry of all four superstars was superb. Even the finish with Edge getting the pin on Ziggler was perfect heading into their ppv match. Vickie threw a twist into the match though, Edge is no longer allowed to use his finisher the Spear or else he forfeits the title to Dolph. Will Edge pull out an old finisher or submission move to win. I'd like to see him use the Killswitch is respect to his friend/brother, Christian.

Punk and Barrett almost had a match if it wasn't for the special guest referee, John "Lame-Ass" Cena. I know I give Cena a lot of negativity in this column but honestly he makes Raw unbearable to watch sometimes. He double disqualified both stars due to "excessive language on a PG show". This removed both Nexus and Corre from the Royal Rumble match. Thankfully the Raw GM chimed in to overrule that put both factions into this Sundays bout. I understand that Cena is just doing his job out there but I can also imagine he gets a lot of say in the direction of his character. Every week it seems he just gets cheesier and cheesier. I hate to say this, but I miss the old white rap star Cena who lived the HLR gimmick. He just seems like an over grown child these days.

Diva Break...

We here at The Daily Slam (well myself I guess) consider the Royal Rumble match the one must see every year. The WWE always manages to bring in a few surprised every year. Over the past few years, it seems like a wrestler who has been sidelined due to injury miraculously returns to a huge ovation giving them instant "face" status. There are only a couple of superstars who are on IR right now that could make a big impact on Sunday. The big three are Christian, Undertaker, and the most expected is Triple H. All three have feuds to jump right back into if they do make an appearance. Christian was taken out by Alberto Del Rio, Taker of course by his brother Kane, and Triple H needs his revenge against Sheamus. All three of those feuds could be WrestleMania matches so I can definitely see at least two of them showing up. I am banking on HHH and Christian. If Taker is set to wrestle Barrett as Mania then his return can wait until closer to Elimination Chamber ppv. A rumor circulating around the inter-webs is that a former world champ will make his return at the Rumble. No not Chris Jericho (cause that would be fucking epic) but the 5-time, 5-time., 5-time, 5-time, 5-time WCW champion.... Booker T. Apparently he was set to make an appearance somewhere this weekend and it has been suddenly canceled. Could be a total coincidence but then again it wouldn't surprise me. Vince is a slick son of a B.

Some more news has emerged for the reinvented WWE Tough Enough Show coming soon on USA Network. I wasn't sure who they would get to host the show. I was leaning towards a seasoned veteran like a Val Venis or William Regal. But with the announcement of UFC bringing in Brock Lesnar to teach on The Ultimate Fighter, it appears that Vince wanted to bring a household name to his reality show. He found the one man that can draw in viewers like no other, Stone Cold Steve Austin. Having Stone Cold host this reality wrestling show the hour before Raw can only draw more of a ratings boost and bring in huge advertisement money for the show. Great move by both parties. I wish a certain someone who also became a huge star courtesy of the WWE would give back to the company once in awhile. I think we all know who I'm talking about.

Well that is all for this week. Short and simple. Check out my pay per view predictions. Thanks for reading.

Week of Suprise Attacks

The Daily Slam 01.21.11


Punk took on John Cena, Randy Orton was attacked by The Miz, the biggest Rumble ever, Teddy Long is on injured reserve, and when will the Undertaker return?

The main event from Raw this week was the showdown between John "Superman" Cena and the "Cult Leader" CM Punk. To be honest, this match was great to see. Both wrestlers superstars had good looking offense and I wasn't sure which way they were going with a finish. That was until some Batista look-a-like showed up and gave Punk a boot to the face and then took out Cena. CM Punk get the win naturally by disqualification and it looks like the Nexus has a new member. His name is Mason Ryan from WWE development, FCW. He has the right build to be the muscle in Punk's faction. It appears the dismissal of Gabriel & Slater didn't hurt the group after all.

Another blindside attack came from the hands of The Miz and his loyal sidekick, Alex Riley, to Randy Orton after his match with Ziggler. The Miz left the Viper laying on the ground and showing he has the upper hand at this point before their match in less than two weeks. All the matches at the Royal Rumble so far are straight one fall matches so I can definitely see this one getting a stipulation. This attack leads me think Orton is going to ask for a No DQ match which will allow Riley to interfere but also allow weapons in favor of Randy.

It's been announced that this year's Royal Rumble match has been changed to a 40 participants and not the traditional 30. Being advertised as the biggest Rumble ever but could it end up being the worst? The added 10 superstars means you are adding almost the rest of the roster who isn't involved in the main title matches. Hopefully Yoshi Tatsu can beat his time last year of :29 seconds. The reason for the additional ten is probably a result of all the new young faces in the company. It's being called the biggest but I highly doubt it won't be the best.

Diva Break...

Over on SmackDown, some big news was the surprise attack that occurred to Teddy Long. Resulting from the beat-down sent Teddy straight to the hospital. The new group formed by Wade Barrett, Corre, quickly cleared their name from any speculations. That can only mean two things; either it was them so they can once again prove that they are superior or it was Ziggler so his cougar girlfriend, Vickie, would be in charge from now on. This could mean a huge disadvantage to current champion Edge. I can see this being just the thing that Dolph needs to take the belt away from Edge. Looks like an intriguing story-line to me.

There are a lot of rumors floating around that the Undertaker has hand picked his WrestleMania opponent and the lucky choice is Wade Barrett. If this is true, then Barrett has been given a golden opportunity and should feel grateful. If Taker is set to go at the Grand Daddy PPV then it appears he will be making a return very soon. Possibly at the Rumble and no later than the Elimination Chamber ppv. Barrett and Nexus did help Kane bury his brother back at Bragging Rights so maybe this feud will help answer some questions.

Well that is all for this week. Thanks for reading.

Nexus Initiations

The Daily Slam 01.14.11

CM Punks leads the new Nexus, HBK is a first ballot Hall of Famer, Royal Rumble title matches, and some TNA news.

All the talk from Raw was about how CM Punk is turning the Nexus into a SES 2.0. The members were required to complete specific initiations into the group. I must admit that Husky Harris taking a strap to the belt multiple times must have hurt like a bitch. The red welts show his devotion to the Straight Edge Superstar. I was a little surprised by the choice to remove Gabriel and Slater from the group though. Fear not fans because those two have joined their former leader, Wade Barrett, over on SmackDown. After a brutal attack on the Big Show by the new group with newcomer Ezekiel Jackson, it appears that we have another Nexus faction. This sure sparks my interest to seem if the two groups will feud. This is all David Otunga's fault by the way. He just couldn't take anymore John Cena beat downs on behalf of Wade Barrett. Pussy.

The other big news from Raw this week was the first inductee in the class of 2011 WWE HOF. The Showstopper, Mr. WrestleMania, the Heart Break Kid... Shawn Michaels. I must admit that I have a problem with this. Shawn is one of the greatest in-ring performers of all time but he hasn't been out of the ring for a complete year yet. I understand that personalities like Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler were inducted while still being on television but let's face it, they weren't retiring any time in the near future. I was really hoping for a WCW HOF ceremony. People like  Harlem Heat, Arn Anderson, the Steiner Bros, DDP, Scott Hall & Kevin Nash, and the Icon... Sting. Having HBK being inducted right away kind of eliminates a WCW themed HOF which disappoints a lot of fans. I hope the rest of the inductees don't get pushed into the HBK shadow for this year.

Diva Break...

So far, Randy Orton will get a chance to win the WWE Championship back from The Miz and Dolph Ziggler will face off against Edge for the World HeavyWeight Title. Both of these matches are perfect for this time of year. You have two well developed veterans helping put over younger talent right in time for WrestleMania. I've become a huge fan of Ziggler's work inside the ring over the past year and he deserves this push to the top. If he would become champ, with Vickie by his side, he has a better chance of standing out than Swagger ever had a chance to. At this point, I don't see The Miz or Edge dropping their titles but it's possible at the Elimination Chamber ppv next month. I honestly saw Del Rio winning his first major title before Dolph but with Vickie by his side, it's only a matter of a few matches before he holds gold. I think it would have been better to see him both as IC and World Champion. Just to rub it in a little more.

Now some TNA news bites. I have to throw out a congratulations to the one and only asshole, Mr Anderson....... Anderson. he is your new TNA Wrestling Champion. It is well deserved and I'm sorry his first major title is in TNA and not the WWE. Now that he has been able to stay healthy for a long period of time, he is getting that push that someone with his in-ring ability and mic skills should get. I doubt we will be seeing Ken back in a WWE ring in the next decade because of how he was let go but perhaps he is enough of a draw to help put TNA to that next level. Jeff Hardy was never going to propel that company to where they should be by now. Legal issues always bring a black cloud over projected hopes & dreams. Bad decision by Dixie, very bad. Speaking of Hardy, Matt Hardy made his debut over the weekend. I'm glad to see Matt back in the ring and happy. His departure from the 'E was also on bad terms but I think he brought a lot of that on himself. I hope Matt all the best in his new role.

Well that is all for this week. Thanks for reading.

A Look Back & Forward

Welcome to a special new year edition of The Daily Slam! Let's take a look at the year 2010 in wrestling and what's possible for 2011.

The past year saw a lot of fresh faces in the WWE while some older ones went off into the shadows. The Nexus was formed from season one NXT and ran wild on Raw. They made their presence know the first night and ended the year with a continued feud with Mr John Cena. There were some new champions in Jack Swagger and The Miz after both cashed in Money In The Bank briefcases. Also, Kane won the championship and held it for months while defeating his brother, The Undertaker, multiple times. HBK retired and HHH took off the year following Extreme Rules ppv. Bret Hart returned and defeated Vince McMahon at WrestleMania. Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson) was fired then rehired and has become the United States champ. What a year it has been but I predict better things to happen in 2011.

Stating tonight on Raw, 1/3/2011, The Miz will defend his WWE Championship against his former tag team partner John Morrison in a falls count anywhere match. Could the "Rockstar" win his first main event title tonight to bring in the new year? Doubtful but it should be interesting to see how Miz holds onto the gold. Elsewhere in the WWE, CM Punk has stepped from away from the commentary table and started a feud with Superman Cena. That alone sparks a lot of interest but let's throw Nexus onto the fire. That's right, CM Punk and Nexus are in cahoots together. If the Straight Edge Superstar is the new leader of the "We Are One" clan, how will this effect the rest of the locker room? And does this mean the members must also be Straight Edge because I know David Otunga parties a lot. He is "A-List" and all.

The Rumble is approaching so everyone will begin to throw out their predictions for a winner. My predict: Triple H. The WWE loves to have injured stars return at the Rumble so this fits perfectly. If not then I'd love to see Jericho return and win to solidify him as a top 5 greatest WWE Superstar of all time.

The night after WrestleMania, which is always Raw, usually does some big tv ratings for WWE and it looks like their capitalizing on that fact. The new return of Tough Enough will premiere before Raw on that night. I imagine NXT will be a thing of the past after this season but the WWE is still pushing the new star envelope. The original Tough Enough was very entertaining so this sparks my interest. Let's hope they don't go all MTV Hills on us and start scripting what the young hopefuls say and do.

What I am expecting for the year 2011 in WWE? 
Triple H returns to tv but as a heel
Jericho returns to feud with Christian in what will be feud of the year
The Miz gets burried like Punk did after his 1st title reign but bounces back around Summer
The Nexus goes through a few more transitions before complete dismantle by end of Mania
Wade Barrett and Alberto Del Rio will be the only 2 first time Champions of the year
LayCool introduces Awesome Kong as their body guard
Justin Gabriel goes face and becomes the next Evan Bourne
Evan Bourne returns but becomes future endeavored
The IC and US titles will be Unified
Kevin Nash makes at-least one cameo appearance on WWE TV

Well that is my year end/ new year special Daily Slam. Let's all hope the WWE steps it up and makes 2011 better than the past few have been. Thanks for reading.