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!!!"

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.

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.

SmackDown's New Home

Welcome to another edition of The Daily Slam! Tonight is the premiere of Friday Night SmackDown on the SyFy channel, the Hell in a Cell pay per view is this Sunday, Christian has surgery, and LayCool better prepare for the new #1 contender. Let's get started...

The biggest news of the week is tonight's live show of SmackDown. The blue brand has found a new home for itself and hopefully opens up more opportunities for the WWE's talent. SD has been the brand that focuses a little bit  more on the wrestling side rather the entertainment which most of us prefer. The show was robbed of high level talent in this year's draft but have managed to keep things very fresh and has had the upper hand in matches for the better part of 2010. With this move, I see Vince putting a little more focus on the show and maybe bringing some of the Raw main-eventers over to SD to draw in bigger ratings right off the bat. For instance, John Cena and the Nexus faction will be on the show tonight which should draw in much attention since Barret and Cena have a match this Sunday. Anything can happen on a live show so maybe we'll even see a title transfer tonight. Some say Dolph Ziggler might be the next heel-to-face superstar and with turmoil with him and Vickie, tonight could be the launching point for Dolph,.

On a sad note for SmackDown, the show has lost one of it's favorite superstars for at least 4 months. Christian had surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle and will most likely be off air for quiet some time. This comes at the worst possible time for the blue brand as Christian has been a solid anchor in the ring on Friday nights and someone will need to step up their game to fill those shoes. The show will need Rey Mysterio to come back or as I already mentioned, maybe a Dolph Ziggler face turn. But speaking of Captain Charisma, this leaves him out of action almost til Royal Rumble. Could an epic return happen like they did with Cena and Edge? Or what about this feud between Edge and the mystery GM? Christian could reveal it was him the whole time and set up a WrestleMania match for those two. Then Jericho returns to help Christian win. Okay, way ahead of myself but it would be epic on many levels.

Over on Raw this week we saw Natalya win the Divas Battle Royal for her shot at the newly crowned Unified Divas Champion, LayCool. This is long overdue by Raw writers to put Natalya in the Divas title contention. She is one of the better in-ring workers that the company has and yet she's been a valet for a majority of the year. If any diva is to take the belt from the Flawless duo, I hope it's Natalya as it would be her first reign. If not, then at least keep a feud alive long enough for Beth Phoenix to return for those two to team up against LayCool. That could be a fun divas tag match which is the opposite of whats on WWE tv in the divas division as of late.

Diva Break...

Also on Raw, we witnessed the possible end to one's long career. Chris Jericho had his skull punted in from Randy Orton. In the past this means that character will be taking some time off due to the seriousness of the "laced up boots to the side of the cranium" kick. Chris has been leaning towards taking some much needed time off so he can tour with Fozzy and rest his body. The man of 1004 holds is the best in-ring wrestler on the roster and it is a huge blow to the WWE  with his vacancy. After buying and watching his new biography, I don't believe he is finished with wrestling in one bit. The new Chris Jericho/anti-Y2J gimmick is still somewhat fresh and I can't imagine he wants to go out like that. On the dvd he does say that when he leaves the business, it's going to be by physically being removed ala kicking and screaming. Chris wants no hero's goodbye like Flair or HBK did. He is a man who is true to his character and deserves the up most respect for his talent in and out of the ring. I wish him well with all of his future plans and hopefully he returns sooner than later.

Other than all the buzz being around SmackDown tonight, it's on what will be the outcome of one particular match this Sunday at Hell in a Cell. Wade Barrett versus John Cena is a major match depending the outcome. We have 3 possible scenarios; Cena wins and Nexus disbands, Barrett wins and Cena joins Nexus and disbands them internally, or Barrett wins and Cena turns heel to lead Nexus. Unless there is some kind of bullshit twist that Vince throws in there, we will be witnessing a new direction for either one man or 5 men. I like the Cena turns full blown heel and leads Nexus. It's almost Hogan/nWo type deal yet its somewhat new as well. If the group disbands, I can only see Barrett and Gabriel sticking around for the next few years. But if Cena is a part of the group and helps pull all the members over, it could mean all new possibilities for Slater, Otunga, and Tarver. Also, Cena could pull in some new members. I kind of miss Husky Harris being around. So much athleticism for such a big guy.

Until Next Time...

 ... I'm Just Sayin!

Orton Reigns Supreme After NOC

Welcome to another edition to The Daily Slam! With only two weeks in between pay per views, the WWE must set up matches quickly and that is just what they have done. John Cena will get his one on one match with Wade Barrett but it comes with a heavy stipulation. Sheamus wants his title back from Orton, The Miz isn't finished with Daniel Bryan, and Chris Jericho's losing streak continues. All this and much more so let's get rolling...

Even though we have a new WWE Champion on Raw all the buzz going into Hell In A Cell is the match between John Cena and the leader of Nexus, Wade Barrett. If Cena wins then the faction that has been causing so much of a stir on Raw all summer, Nexus, must disband. But if Barrett pulls out the victory then Nexus grows only stronger because Cena must join the group with the big yellow "N" on their chest. Having this stipulation between these two makes this match the must-see bout on the ppv card at the moment. I hate to see Nexus break up so soon but with the injury to Sheffield and Darren Young being kicked out leads me to believe that a singles run is in Barrett's near future. This way it allows Otunga, Gabriel, and Slater opportunities in the mid card and tag division as well. If Cena is forced to join the Nexus though, it could be the development of a heel Cena or he could just make things worse for Nexus by being inside the group. Either direction the 'E goes with, it could lead to huge story-lines.


The Viper has won the WWE Championship once again and it was well deserved since he was the most dominate in the ring at Night of Champions. Sheamus wants his rematch and it will happen at Hell in a Cell which is perfect way to end this feud. I can't see Orton losing but I can see a certain MITB briefcase holder getting involved. It would be a great way to end one feud and start another one instantly. I know I'm getting way ahead of myself but it's how I would book it.


Diva Beak...

Another feud that continues on Raw is Daniel Bryan and The Miz. Since he 'tapped-out out at NOC, he is looking for any way of retribution against the American Dragon who comes out to the theme of "Ride of the Valkyries" now which reeks of awesomeness. Bryan lost to Edge on Raw with help from Miz but the GM reversed the call. This helps piss off Edge and doesn't hurt the creditability of the new United States Champion. I can't wait for Bryan/Miz part II at the next ppv.


And last from Raw, Chris Jericho who was supposedly done with the company after NOC lost another match against John Morrison. Chris was booted from the Six-pack challenge match early and it seems that he has lost a step or two. I don't think we'll see much of Chris after Raw next week as he tours with Fozzy and rests up his body. He helped put Morrison over before he takes time off which just shows once again what a first class company man Chris can be. I'm sure once he returns to tv, he'll get right back in the title picture as he should and hopefully gets another great story leading into 'Mania. Also, next week is the release of Y2J's dvd set in which I am most excited about.


The new dynamic tag team of Dashing Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre are on fire as of late by winning the titles and successfully retaining the titles on SD against the Harts. This is a smart move to put the belts on these two as heels can always make the titles look more important than faces can, most of the time. AS long as the new champs show up on Raw from time to time and help promote the tag division more, then I am for them carrying the belts for a long time.


Diva Break... 

Alberto Del Rio has struck once again by taking out Christian this time (kayfabe). Captain Charisma has a torn pectoral muscle and is need of surgery. This puts him out of action for almost 6 months. This is just terrible timing since the move to SyFy for SmackDown means they need the best on the roster to shine and Christian is probably in the top 3 of most entertaining on the SD brand.


At-last, he has returned. No not the Rock, not Austin, not even the Brooklyn Brawler..... I'm talking about Paul Bearer. When Undertaker's long-time manager who carries the urn that gives the Deadman his evil powers has once again graced us with his presence. This in my mind is how they can have the Undertaker beat Kane cleanly with his hell strength back in his soul. I love how great Kane has been since Money In The Bank ppv when he won the title. He has had great matches and even better promos. Now with Paul Bearer in the midst of this feud, I can easily say this is a well deserving way for Kane's title reign to end and you can mark this point in WWE history of a great story-line for the Big Red Machine. Too bad this isn't all happening on Raw though cause it deserves as much coverage as possible. Once again shows why SD is the more superior show even if most fans won't admit it.


Well that's all for this week which means....

... and I'm just sayin!

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!