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

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.

T.L.C. Predictions

 My Predictions for the WWE TLC Pay Per View on Dec 19th 2010.

#1 Contender Ladders Match
John Morrison vs Sheamus

The Shaman of Sexy seeks to dethrone the newly coronation King of the Ring in a contest of ladders. While both Sheamus and Morrison have completely different styles the ladder match plays to both of their strengths. Morrison has a platform to jump off of and Sheamus can use the ladder like a hammer to hit JoMo with. John is amazing on his own, but with a ladder I expect him to do some amazing acrobatics to help justify his #1 contender status. While Sheamus isn't anything to sneeze at he won't continue his legacy that he started last year at TLC. Morrison has a date with destiny at the Royal Rumble when he faces off against his former partner in crime.
Winner: "The Monday Night Delight", John Morrison.

Tables Match
Beth Phoenix/Natalya Neidhart vs LayCool

This must be a first; a diva's tag team tables match. It's going to be harder for either member of LayCool to put Phoenix through a table then for Beth to do the same. It isn't easy being skinny I guess. LayCool definitely isn't defenseless with their advantage on the experience front. Also there's a question of unity; can Beth and Natalya trust each other or will Beth want to make a statement with WrestleMania on the horizon?
Winner: Heart of the Phoenix

Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs Kofi Kingston vs Jack Swagger

I always thought Ziggler and Swagger would make a great tag team. Kingston would make the best use of the ladder of the three however Swagger will soar to an IC title reign.
Winner: The All American American Intercontinental Champion

Chairs Match
John Cena vs Wade Barrett

Such a big match wasted with a stupid gimmick. Then again they're both big guys and could do some damage with a chair. Normal booking would have John get his revenge and that's the safe bet. Still, Barrett is the breakout star of the year and I wouldn't count him out. While I think the booking has been rushed I want to give a shout out to Barrett getting so pissed at Otunga that he would reinstate Cena to force Otunga in a match with him.
Winner: The women and the children aka John Cena wins

World Heavyweight Championship Tables, Ladders, Chairs Match
Kane (c) vs Edge vs Alberto Del Rio vs Rey Mysterio

Kane has been a dominate champion even though they've made him look like a bitch recently, Edge is the undisputed master of TLC matches, Rey can fly and Del Rio has been on a roll. I think Kane wins and starts a heel vs heel feud with Alberto Del Rio.
Winner: Kane

WWE Championship Tables Match
The Miz (c) vs Randy Orton

Last year Sheamus shocked everyone by defeating Cena and becoming the new World Champion in a tables match. The surprise win came earlier this year when Miz cashed in his MITB briefcase. The question is can Miz do to the Viper what Sheamus did last year to Cena? The answer is yes! The Miz will retain and it will be Awesome.
Winner: The Miz

WWE TLC Pay Per View Predictions

PPV Predictions 12.17.10

Here are my predictions for this Sunday's WWE TLC pay per view from Philadelphia, Pa.

#1 Contender Ladders Match
John Morrison vs Sheamus
These two square off for the third time to resolve this feud and it's for a shot at the gold. Sheamus may be the new king of the ring but Morrison looks to be on a good roll as of late. Could be a show stealer in my opinion and in all honesty needs to be a platform for Morrison. If he wins this match and Miz retains the title, we could have Miz vs Morrison at Royal Rumble. That makes me excited. Just Sayin.
Winner- John Morrison

Tables Match
Natalya (c) & Beth Phoenix vs Laycool
This makes me wonder if this is Vince's way of matching the knockouts cage match from impact last week. Just a thought to ponder. Anyways, I love this match-up. Two strong divas vs two sly/cunning ones. Beth and Nattie have a huge upper advantage and that makes me think they will lose. Somehow that gorgeous Lalya will figure out a way to save Michelle McCool and in the process send Nattie through a table.
Winners- LayCool

Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs Kofi Kingston vs Jack Swagger
A good triple threat match with three veterans of this type of stipulation. Swagger is a revent MITB winner so he knows how to overcome ladder matches with the odds against him. Ziggler has been champ for a long time and has no real reason to drop the belt unless he moves to the main event. Kofi is just Kofi and honestly doesn't need the title at this point. I'm pulling for Ziggler here just because if he loses the belt, he might be lost in creative over the next few months heading towards Mania.
Winner- Dolph Ziggler

Chairs Match
John Cena vs Wade Barrett
The re-hired John Cena gets his revenge against foe Wade Barrett. Wade actually asked for this match though. The big concern here is will Nexus get involved. I don't see how they wouldn't want to help out their leader and destroy the man who has been beating them down. This is a match where the odds will be stacked against Cena and yet he finds away to prevail. This chapter has been written before many, many times.
Winner- John Cena

World HeavyWeight Championship Tables, Ladders, Chairs Match
Kane (c) vs Edge vs Alberto Del Rio vs Rey Mysterio
You throw two heated feuds together into one big match and the result will be nothing short of impeccable. Edge and Mysterio will do some high risk maneuvers while Kane and Del Rio can cause some ground damage to their foes. This should be one brutal match with possibly an unexpected twist. Before I thought Edge would finally beat Kane but now with the Rey and Alberto in the mix, I might be leaning towards a first time champ in Del Rio. The man has made such a huge splash since coming to WWE and is deserving of the spotlight. It would just be a major twist in the business. The Rated R Superstar is still my odds on favorite.
Winner- Edge

WWE Championship Tables Match
The Miz (c) vs Randy Orton
It's so weird to type the Miz as champion but in a good way. The Miz has looked like such a beatable champion that I feel he has to win this one. There is a reason you have Alex Riley around so you can use him as a distraction. Orton would win a lot of his matches with help from Legacy so I don't see why Miz wouldn't do the same. Plus I am really pulling for this Miz vs Morrison match at the Royal Rumble next month. It's hard to go against my favorite wrestler over the last 3 years but this is the Miz's time to shine.
Winner- The Miz