WWE Money In the Bank PPV

Hello, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to another edition of the Wrestling Spectator's WWE pay-per-view predictions! I apologize for the long hiatus, but the Wrestling Spectator is back, and in action! We have a couple of articles to be posted in the next couple of days, but let's get started with tonight's Money In the Bank Pay Per View!

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

SETH ROLLINS/ROMAN REIGNS V. THE USOS

As Triple H is taking more and more control of the WWE as one of the big wigs, we have seen an attempt to slowly revive the tag team division. No more is the way of Kane/Daniel Bryan at the Tag Team Championship helm; the WWE has taken shape a number of new tag teams; Rhodes Scholars, Prime Time Players, Tons of Funk, 3MB, Colter's Militia, the Usos, and a branch of the Shield. Granted, it's not the tag team era of yester-year, but it is a clean start to focus on the tag team championship. TWS appreciates the re-focusing on the tag team division, and while it is a work in progress, it is a fresh start. Hopefully Triple H can take a few more teams from NXT and mold them into future tag team superstars.

The Usos have been a major focus in the tag team division, and creative has pushed for the Usos to look like a credible tag team in contention to the Shield. The Shield no longer has a commendable winning streak, having lost to Team Hell No/Randy Orton, and to Christian/The Usos. Rollins and Reigns, without the aide of Ambrose, as a tag team have not been pinned in their reign as champions, and the Usos have not individually pinned either of the tag champs. TWS cannot see the Usos taking the titles away from Rollins and Reigns. At least, not this time without help of some kind. The Shield has maintained an image of tenacity; the Usos are barely making an image with defeating the likes of 3MB and Tons of Funk. TWS believes that if the Usos are to be taken seriously, they should take out other credible tag teams to become legitimate champions.

TWS Prediction: The Shield Retains

CHRIS JERICHO V. RYBACK

This feud opened up with Chris Jericho doing what he does best, and that was antagonize the biggest and baddest mo'fo-er in the WWE.

Well, Ryback isn't the baddest any longer, but again, Jericho took the proverbial stick and picked a fight with the junkyard dog. "Cryback" became a new moniker under the eyes of Jericho, and he couldn't be more right on the money. Ryback hasn't won a PPV match in such a long time (going on exactly one year with his win at last year's MITB), and TWS believes that it could be his time. Why? A little foreshadowing, if you will. Creative has given Ryback something outside of SuperCena and WWE Pet Project The Shield to work with in a talent that has no issue with building stars. Over the last few months, Jericho himself lent a hand to Dolph Ziggler, CM Punk, Fandango, and others along the way, and I think that this will be the same token; Ryback needs another push, and Jericho has now been known to be such cannon fodder for the stars. Further, Jericho has an upcoming Fozzy tour, and what better way to "put Jericho on the shelf" by a brutal Ryback beat down?

Last week on RAW, Ryback was also involved with a farewell hug to former General Manager Vickie Guerrero. Vickie, a woman who can garnish a massive amount of heat, would be the perfect manager for Ryback. He won't have to speak, and the WWE Universe will hate him on the sheer fact that he has aligned himself with Guerrero. On top of having her as a heat-seeking manager, Ryback has developed feigning injury to the referees, a cowardly heel move. Genius.

Vickie will be a factor in MITB for Ryback, for sure, and even if she isn't around, TWS predicts the win will be handed to the Skip... er Ryback.

TWS Prediction: Ryback

DIVA'S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

AJ LEE V. KAITLYN

Two best friends turned into two greatest enemies.

The element of a good feud is here. Both superstars were best friends at one point in time, and now ruthless enemies. One knows the strengths and weaknesses of the other, and the other knows what buttons to press and hurt. AJ has played an emotional game with Kaitlyn, and that's how a Diva does it. Women can be cunning, conniving, and flat out evil when they want to be, and AJ plays that part very well. She isn't an Amazon woman; she has Langston as her muscle. But she is playing the female cerebral assassin. And it is getting to the point where the entire Diva's division is getting involved in AJ's devastation. As much as the division has crumbled, I love the build-up. And all of the Divas can be brought into this, because of the outside exposure of E! Entertainment's "Total Divas". It's a solid plug for both the WWE, the Divas, and E! Entertainment.

I just wish that all of the other Divas could act a little better and put on a convincing show. Most of the WWE girls sound scripted.

Whatever is good for the goose, is good for the gander. AJ should be kept as the little engine that could, whether or not she is face or heel. Having the strap on her, and keeping it on her is a great idea, and it would also make for the WWE Power Couple of her and Dolph. However, Ziggler is slowly (and uncontrollably) turning face, and AJ is stuck being a heel. There may be some friction between the two. But at this point in time, AJ should go over Kaitlyn and show that bigger isn't always better, especially in the Diva's division.

TWS Prediction: AJ Lee

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

THE MIZ V. CURTIS AXEL

It has been a compelling chase for the Intercontinental Championship for the past few months. A lot of the popular mid-card superstars have been beating each over the head with gold in their sights, and the IC title has landed on the waist of WWE's newest third generation superstar, Joe Hennig, also known as a portmanteau of his dad and grandfather, Curt Hennig and Larry "The Axe" Hennig; Curtis Axel. Aligned with the brilliant booking genius, Paul Heyman, Axel has nowhere to go but up. And Axel will be pushed to the stars, if given the right opportunities. He has recently been showing signs of weakness, being pinned by Chris Jericho and ultimately being made a fool of in recent matches, but winning at MITB will keep Axel solidly in place from here on out for quite some time.

The Miz has been on a winning streak ever since his in-ring return after a month hiatus, defeating Wade Barrett, Heath Slater, Fandango, and Cody Rhodes to name a few casulties. It would be difficult to say if The Miz has a chance to defeat the rookie Axel at MITB. With Heyman potentially losing CM Punk as his partner in crime, if Axel does indeed lose at MITB, Heyman's effectiveness to build stars will have ultimately gone away. Time will tell. TWS is torn between the sides of Axel/Miz, and with the heels predicting wins, this should be one that goes for the faces. Miz is on too much of a winning streak to have it fall flat on its face.

TWS Prediction: The Miz

WHC CONTRACT MITB MATCH

BARRETT V. RHODES V. SANDOW V. AMBROSE V. FANDANGO V. SWAGGER V. CESARO

The mid-card all rolled into one. The main concept behind the Money in the Bank ladder match is to propel young up-and-comers into stardom. The concept is behind many PPV gimmicks, such as the Royal Rumble, King of the Ring, Survivor Series, and so on. Money in the Bank is no exception, and save for Jack Swagger, all other participants in this match have not seen major title opportunities. Swagger should not even been included in this match, but the WWE prefers repetition, so if Rhodes and Sandow are included, why not throw in another tag team and eliminate another match that doesn't draw. The MITB briefcase, as WWE commentary has mentioned time and time again, guarantees a title win. Statistically speaking, not one superstar has lost by pinfall or submission, but the only superstar ever to cash in and fail to take home gold was, ironically, John Cena by way of disqualification.

With the recent legal troubles that Swagger has gotten himself into, there should be zero interest in him taking the MITB briefcase. WWE gave him Colter as a mouthpiece and a WHC opportunity at Elimination Chamber, and failed by getting himself into drug troubles. TWS would be highly disappointed in seeing Swagger walk out as a briefcase holder.

Wade Barrett as the very beginning of his career as the Nexus leader showed a lot of promise, but was whittled down to no more than a mid-card faction leader of the Corre, and even more embarrassed by scraping on the mid-card bottom. WWE gave him an opportunity with the Intercontinental Championship, but he let that go as well. Barrett would be a great heavyweight champion, if he was coupled with a solid storyline to back him. However, Barrett doesn't seem likely to walk out a MITB winner.

Dean Ambrose is a favorite to walk out as the contract carrier, and it could happen with Rollins and Reigns getting involved in the chaos of the six-man ladder match. A win would make Ambrose the only man to walk in a champion and walk out a contract holder, and quite possibly be a dual-champion by the end of Sunday night.

Fandango, with his recent medical issues regarding concussions, lost his momentum going into MITB. With several losses to Jericho, TWS believes that Fandango let the A's breathe and his missed his footing from his winning debut at Wrestlemania. Baby steps, Fandango.

As a former Intercontinental Champion, Cody Rhodes may be able to do what his father and his older brother could never do, and that would be an opportunity to capture a contract for the World Heavyweight Championship with a win at MITB. As a second-generation superstar, Rhodes has a lot to live up to, and being as young as he is in his WWE career, he has surpassed many other superstars much older than him. A favorite to win... but not quite. Rhodes does have the experience, as this will be his fourth MITB ladder match, but he will have a break down from Sandow, and with multiple egos together in one ring, TWS believes it will be a tough obstacle for Rhodes to climb.

Damien Sandow has the looks, the charisma, and the pompous arrogance for his character to be a very convincing winner at MITB. Sandow is reminiscent of the debuting Hunter Hurst Helmsley, better known as Triple H, with the "blueblood" gimmick. Triple H himself had to start somewhere, and this is where Sandow seems to be at, and during the early HHH years, there was no Money in the Bank matches to propel stars quicker into the major title picture. TWS believes that winning MITB would give so much more to Sandow's character, and solify him as a serious contender in the WWE. Even though Sandow has been involved in one other MITB ladder match, Sandow is a TWS favorite.

Antonio Cesaro is the other TWS favorite to walk out MITB contract holder. New to the MITB match, Cesaro has shown to be a ruthless aggressor, and much more promising than Swagger in Colter's Militia. It is odd that Cesaro would join Colter as he was deep into his character as Swiss made, but with a MITB WHC winning opportunity, and Colter as a mouthpiece, Cesaro would, in TWS opinion, be the best candidate to have a chance to steal the WHC away.

TWS Prediction:
Wade Barrett: 30%
Cody Rhodes: 50%
Damien Sandow: 70%
Dean Ambrose: 60%
Fandango: 40%
Jack Swagger: 20%
Antonio Cesaro: 80%

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MITB MATCH

ORTON V. RVD V. CM PUNK V. BRYAN V. CHRISTIAN V. SHEAMUS

WWE has christened this the "WWE All-Star Match" for MITB. All former champions, clamoring for a spot at the top of the mountain; for the WWE Championship. The idea behind the two MITB matches is absolutely brilliant; the World Heavyweight Championship MITB match should go to mid-card talent. Wrestlers that are popular with the WWE Universe, or at least have taken a taste of the US Championship or Intercontinental Championship; and for the WWE Championship MITB should go to former major title holders. Viewers may be against seeing old faces in the WWE title picture, but granted, John Cena is one of the most routine faces the WWE Universe sees every day. "The Champ Is Here" is getting stale. Some aren't even WWE Title holders. ROb Van Dam, Christian, and Daniel Bryan have not had the WWE Championship around their waist. But TWS believes that this will change.

As it stands, the wrestling dirt sheets all have heard rumors that Daniel Bryan will start a feud with John Cena in the next couple of months. Whether Cena retains the title tonight determines the outcome of the MITB All Stars Match. Or vice-versa (as this will be contested before Cena's match with Henry). This is a high improbability, seeing as though if Cena loses, he will undoubtedly invoke his rematch clause, and the Bryan/Cena match is nixed. We would have enjoyed RVD to win his return match, but TWS has a feeling that CM Punk will have a nice new feud with another Paul Heyman guy. Orton will most likely have some time off to handle his real-life personal problems, and Christian and Sheamus will be lost in the upper mid-card shuffle.

TWS Prediction:
Randy Orton: 40%
Rob Van Dam: 60%
CM Punk: 50%
Daniel Bryan: 80%
Christian: 30%
Sheamus: 70%

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

ALBERTO DEL RIO V. DOLPH ZIGGLER

These two have had such a heated rivalry ever since Dolph lost the WHC championship to Del Rio at WWE Payback. With a double alignment turn with Del Rio becoming heel, and Ziggler turning face, Ziggler has shown a tenacious "never say die" attitude and keeps fighting for the sake of getting the WHC back around his waist. TWS considers the scenario between Ziggler and AJ Lee/Langston interesting as AJ has went off on her own tangent, as well as Ziggler, and AJ Lee has kept the heel persona. If Dolph wins the WHC, how will the chemistry work between these three? A WWE Power Couple that serves as both face/heel?

In any event, Ziggler has been a fan favorite, and looking into the WHC MITB ladder match, all participants are heels. It wouldn't be smart business per Vinnie Mac to have a heel vs. heel championship match, so TWS goes to support Ziggler in his win tonight.

TWS Prediction: Dolph Ziggler

WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

JOHN CENA V. MARK HENRY

When Mark Henry made his "fake" retirement speech, and hit Cena with the World's Strongest Slam, the delivery was absolutely epic. And this is the type of storyline that creative should go with to make characters convincing. Henry came from the era where storylines meant something, and they built characters into believable indivduals that a viewer could get behind and rally upon. "Yeah! I want to see Mark Henry win!" or "Kurt Angle had trouble with his gold medals! Let's see him win in Pittsburg!" Today's product is a re-hash and is watered down from what the older fans are used to. And Cena is an unbelievable workhorse; but take the strap off of him once in a great while. I wouldn't mind seeing Mark Henry run with the WWE Championship for a few months, as I believe The World's Strongest Man can be a great champion. Get Teddy Long, Michael Hayes, Tony Atlas, even the Prime Time Players (with Teddy? Thuggin' and Buggin'!) would make a great stable to connect Mark Henry with. When was the last time the WWE had a convincing African-American stable? Including a world champion?

Alas, as McMahon said a few weeks ago, whatever is good for business... And Mark Henry hasn't been good for business. Cena will ultimately win, and will go on to feud with Daniel Bryan for the next six months or so until Bryan loses clean while cashing in. What a waste of an exiting talent.

TWS Prediction: John Cena

There you have it, TWS readers! It's been a little busy, but here at TWS, we will strive to get you the most compelling opinionated articles on a timely basis! Watch WWE's Pay Per View Money in the Bank tonight for all the results!

We're on the final turn to Wrestlemania

It is the final stretch until Wrestlemania 29 at Met Life Stadium. The go-home to RAW was excellently executed, and Smackdown should sweep up the remaining pieces into Sunday. However, this is where I will bring to action my predictions for April 7. Let's begin.

Interactive Pre-Show
WWE Intercontinental Title Match
The Miz VS Wade Barrett

Going into the build and hype of this match, it has been absolutely horrid to see The Miz on where he is on a Wrestlemania card. As I have said before, Miz should be higher than that based upon his own work ethic in the WWE. Mind you, I don't know what goes on behind the scenes, or if he has to sacrifice for something bigger, but pre-shows are meant for talent like Brodus Clay or Zack Ryder. Antonio Cesaro should be the caliber of opponent that Miz faces off against at this caliber of an event.

Whatever happened to Bo Dallas?

In any rate, I haven't witnessed much success with challengers defeating champions on pre-shows, but I am hoping Miz pulls off the upset and steals this one. But without the presence of Ric Flair (all condolences set aside), my gut tells me Wade Barrett keeps the title, most likely by disqualification, as the WWE most likely won't allow the Miz to look weak in this.

WINNER: The Miz 

Brodus Clay/Tensai/Cameron/Naomi VS Cody Rhodes/Damien Sandow/The Bellas

"Oh, you were not aware?" That was the best parody of Road Dogg by these two...

This is another disappointment mash up for Wrestlemania. All eight of these participants, in the storylines and direction WWE Creative is taking them, should not be on the card. I understand it is solely meant for comedic effect for the kiddies, and have the Bellas look important, but this is WRESTLEMANIA. They should devote a "halftime" show for such a mid-card atrocity.

Enough bashing here. Rhodes Scholars should be in contention with the Tag Team Championships. I like the way that Ziggler and Langston have been built into the tag team title picture solely because of AJ and her previous alliance with Kane and Daniel Bryan, as it has become a personal vendetta. But whatever happened to  championship contenders and the ranking system? Can I walk into the WWE with a buddy of mine, anger the Big Red Machine, and be challenged with the titles on the line as there is not a contender team for them? This has been one of my beliefs about the Tag division, and why it has suffered.

All in all, I don't like this match. It's a waste of space. But, my prediction is that the faces will win this one and walk away victorious.

WINNER: Brodus Clay, Sweet T, and the Funkadactyls 

Fandango VS Chris Jericho

I like the build up for this one, and it makes for Fandango's debut in the WWE, on the Grandest Stage of them All. Who else can say outside of a handful of wrestlers to actually make a debut at a Wrestlemania? Well, I think Big E Langston gets to share the opportunity. Fandango has shown a lot of tenacity against Jericho, and continues to do so. I'm looking forward to seeing this match, and who walks away from it. Chris Jericho has done it all, and continues to come back and work as hard as he does, and put over the younger talent. I think that Jericho, as a business man, will help out Fandango and give him his first debuting win at Wrestlemania to put him over as a top guy. Vince loves the gimmick, and Jericho, being a part timer, will pass the torch.

WINNER: Fan-Dahhhhhhnnnn-gooooo!

Ryback VS Mark Henry

Concept on paper; brilliant. Creative making it work; falls flat.

Two big monsters colliding against one another at Wrestlemania. Hasn't happened in a long time where two massive behemoths butt heads and go at it with such force. Mark Henry versus Ryback could have been bigger than half of the card at Wrestlemania, if built up the right way. And, don't get me wrong; I'm more than happy to see Ryback away from the Shield and having him lose time and time again, but Creative just dropped the ball when it came to building these two silverbacks up for a monumental storyline. A "No Contact" rule? WTF? These men are designed and wired for contact, and with that stipulation in place, it takes out all the fun that these two men could do with each other. Beat each other down, beat others down, and just run over half of the locker room in the process to one up the other. So much potential!

Alas, Creative hasn't been the best of friends for the hardcore fan. Hasn't been for the longest time. The undercard is a mockery and a disgrace to Wrestlemania's past, but I'm not watching solely for Sweet T's sweet ass to dance all over the place (and I am being facetious here), but nonetheless, I hope that this rivalry isn't over at Wrestlemania, and it pours out into Extreme Rules. Ryback does need the win here after several painful losses from the Shield.

WINNER: Ryback

Sheamus/Orton/Big Show (The SOB Squad) VS The Shield

This match-up will be the fourth big clash for the Shield, and it is just making the Shield look more and more unstoppable. However, with the addition of the Big Show, the Shield has shown a bit of hesitation to get in the ring with the giant, and making them look human. A little dangerous to their credibility, so to speak, but it could also show that the Shield is a bit more cunning and work a little harder and at a different angle. As the WWE has thrown more meat for the Shield to take out, I like it, just for the Shield's sake. Keeping the winning streak alive is what the WWE should have done with the original Nexus, instead of just burying them, splitting them off, and giving each member a shovel to dig themselves out of a grave. Only three members have seen relative success (Bryan, Barrett, and Ryback after a repackage), and it was an absolute shame. It just goes to show that there can exist a faction in today's WWE that will work as a destructive force, and a young blood faction at that. Seems as though the top guys can work together, and take them out. Continue the momentum united and don't break the Shield.

On the other side, Sheamus, Orton, and Big Show are such a mismatched pair in this. It's hard to say how or even if these three can work together in this match. Over the past few months, all three of these men were at each other's throats, fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship, and that will be a partial deciding factor in a potential heel turn.  It'll be a big surprise to me if they work well, but ultimately, something big is going to happen, in the favor for the Shield. I'm looking at Orton.

The win has The Shield written all over it.

WINNER: The Shield

WWE Tag Championship Match
Team Hell No VS Team Zig E

Personal vendettas with little AJ in the mix. This is a lingering feud that, although Dolph hasn't been too much a part of, AJ has had with quite a few superstars in the past year. She is a distraction for both Kane and Daniel Bryan, and her insertion makes things a bit more interesting. I am also looking forward to seeing how Langston makes his debut, and how much of a powerhouse he really is. He's a big guy, especially in person, and it is interesting to see the transition in power with Triple H in charge and bringing in a lot of bigger guys. Needless to say, it is Big E's in-ring debut, and he has been a wall of trouble when it comes to facing Ziggler with anything. Ultimately, everyone knows that Langston dips his hand in the cookie jar and gets a piece of any wrestler Ziggler faces. With AJ and Big E, along with Ziggler's own repitoire of skills, Kane and Bryan have their hands full. Even though Langston is inside the squared circle, Team Hell No needs to keep their eyes peeled.

With my prediction here, it's tough to call. More elements means a tougher prediction. And with the possibility of winning tag team gold AND cashing in the Money in the Bank, it would boost Ziggler up to stratospheric heights as a double champion. I say Kane and Daniel Bryan are stale at this point in time... it's time to transition to the Ziggler Era.

WINNER: Ziggler and Langston

CM Punk VS The Undertaker and the Streak

Since Elimination Chamber, it was rumored that CM Punk would be on a collision course with the Undertaker and his streak at Wrestlemania. And ever since Taker's return, CM Punk (along with the exceptionally talented Paul Heyman) has made the untimely death of William Moody as epic and as relevant as ever. Some of you may hate me for it, but the WWE would have the utmost respect for the Moody family and would not do it if it weren't allowed. This is the same reason why Randy Savage isn't in the WWE Hall Of Fame; his family wants him inducted with his brother, so they leave it be. Same with Bruno Sammartino. Some points may have been taken a little far, but hopefully everyone understands that what was in the urn was sand. Would you be offended if rocks fell out of the urn? No, because then the internet troll would come out and claim, "OMG IT'S FAKE BCUZ OF ROKS N STUF!" Stop it.

Going back to my original point, CM Punk with Heyman, as I have made mention of before, is absolute gold. Heyman has influenced this with CM Punk to sheer glory. Around this time of year for twenty years, it is the Undertaker getting into the head of his opponents. This is the first time (outside of DDP and the use of Taker's wife) that Taker's opponent is getting inside his head. And it's working (storyline standpoint, anyway). It's building for some good TV, and I am itching to see this one. It won't be as spectacular as Triple H and Shawn Michaels vs the Dead Man, but it will be more calculated... how far will CM Punk go to get inside the Undertaker's mind? How much mental damage can Punk do to Taker, to completely take him off of his game and beat him, not by sheer force and punishment, but on a technicality? If (and that's a big "if") CM Punk does take the win and beats the streak, it will be a technical win. And I believe that CM Punk is the right guy for the rub. Not Cena. I hear rumors that Cena faces Taker next year. I hope to the heavens above that doesn't happen.

My prediction stands that the streak lives on, 21-0.

WINNER: The Undertaker

No Holds Barred; Career Match
Brock Lesnar VS Triple H w/Shawn Michaels

Another bout that I'm highly interested in seeing go down. I have a strong feeling on who is going to walk out of Wrestlemania as all the signs point otherwise.

With Brock Lesnar returning for a whole two years, this match isn't going to go down the proverbial toilet. And with Heyman sticking around for a while now and Triple H going out, I'd be hard pressed to see Brock lose this match. But again, the storytelling is there and it is all Wrestling 101, and all the players (well, Heyman and Triple H anyway) bring everything to the table. Both Heyman and Triple H are using what was great in ECW, WCW, and the Attitude era days, and what was originally popular; controversy. Personal issues. Who doesn't want to see someone's personal life be afforded in a man's soap opera? Look at Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle with Karen Angle in the mix? That was good television. Who knew? Now, Heyman has made it personal with Triple H by using Brock Lesnar as his personal wrecking ball, taking out Vince, Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, maybe even Shawn Michaels before Wrestlemania, who knows? And the hidden stipulation that Triple H agreed on just to get his hands on Brock for his recklessness was priceless. The whole "no holds barred" was kind of mundane, but the execution was flawless. Heyman and Brock again have turned the tide against Triple H (like CM Punk with Undertaker) by being the game, and having Triple H play with their rules. Heyman thinking. The execution is excellent, and it draws me in.

With the layout and the finish, I feel as though Shawn Michaels will get involved against Triple H. Not positive, but there is some kayfabe resentment between the two. Otherwise, Brock will finish this clean, Triple H will go back into the shadows as Paul Levesque (or even a GM role... that would be interesting to see), and Brock continues to lay waste to the WWE.

WINNER: Brock Lesnar

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Alberto Del Rio VS Jack Swagger

I'm not too fond to see this match take place. I'm not captivated enough by Swagger to fully immerse myself into the storyline. ADR does wonders since his debut in the WWE, but his opponent is not matched with him the correct way, in my opinion. I've been saying this for months now; Swagger should be a tweener face going head to head against Antonio Cesaro (who is ABSENT from this card). Swagger should not be at the caliber of match on this card, because of his own character, and his own personal troubles. Creative is high on this gimmick with Zeb Colter, and with a possible suspension looming for Swagger after Wrestlemania, I don't see too much effort outside of Wrestlemania. I love the promos that Colter cuts, and his mic works wonders for a one phrase Swagger. I think, if booked right, Swagger and Colter could dominate the mid card division and THEN be tossed in the WWE major title spotlight. Give him the US Title, as I have been saying, and then place the WWE Title strap on him. He can be the next WWE champion, but he needs time.

With the match, Alberto Del Rio has come a long way as a face. He hasn't fine tuned it yet, but he shows compassion to his personal ring announcer, he stands up for justice, and has a comedy act of his own. I know how Creative is booking him; a Fancy Feast Eddie Guerrero. To pay homage to the late, great Eddie would be very smart, and it would gather a lot of latino viewers. Chavo Guerrero was attempting to play the part, but he lived in his uncle's shadow for years. ADR is a fresh face, fresh move set, and all around newcomer. He isn't Eddie, like Chavo tried to portray. He is his own character. I like ADR, and I like his chances at Wrestlemania. I feel that there are a couple of elements in this; with the connection with a possible heel turn from Orton will bring him back into the WHC title picture, and the upcoming suspension for Swagger, Del Rio survives and walks out retaining.

WINNER: Alberto Del Rrrrrrrrrrriiiiiioooooo!!

WWE Championship Match
The Rock VS John Cena

Redemption is in order. John Cena has been stating this for an entire year, as the storyline has been all about using Cena's personal life as fuel to the fire between himself and the Rock. And anyone who is anyone is expecting Cena to turn heel at Wrestlemania, or very soon afterward. The Rock has also been claiming that he "will" beat Cena again. But this match-up and the result has already been set in stone; Cena will walk out of Wrestlemania with the WWE title. It's unfortunate.

http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/270427-possible-post-mania-feud-for-john-cena-why-cesaro-has-had-little-wrestlemania-build

"WWE has been discussing the idea of having Ryback feud with John Cena for the WWE Title after WrestleMania 29. The seeds for this potential feud were planted back when Cena eliminated Ryback from the Royal Rumble match."

Granted, this is a dirt sheet, and dirt sheets change all the time, but all signs point to Cena winning. It's a damn shame, because outside of the girls and the little boys, EVERYONE wants this heel turn to happen. Have Cena lose AGAIN to the Rock. Then have him turn heel because of his inability to beat "one of the greatest of all time". It's been over nine years since we've seen a heel Cena, and that was rapper Cena. It's long overdue. The fans want it, and for Christ's sake, stop postponing it. Or just give the opportunity to Ziggler and run with it; he's still got the briefcase.

I hate to say it, and I'm pretty sure that nobody wants a thirteenth title reign, but it will be another Cena era.

WINNER: John Cena

There you have it, folks! A breakdown on this spectators' opinion on who's who with predictions for Wrestlemania. Hopefully there is a small addition of Cesaro placed on the card, to which Wrestlemania desperately needs, and even more so, something spectacular. Make it happen, WWE! I want an OMG moment!!

Elimination Chamber/RAW Aftermath

Forty eight days left until Wrestlemania 29, and things are starting to heat up. With Elimination Chamber behind us, this will be the last stretch between the Chamber, and Wrestlemania. With that in mind, what is the current major buzz in the WWE?

Jack Swagger claims the #1 Contender's Spot for the World Heavyweight Championship

The Elimination Chamber match for this one really blew me away, along with many, many other bloggers and fans throughout the WWE Universe. Guaranteed, Jack Swagger was not the favorite (or even the underdog) to win this match, considering the last high profile match we saw him in the ring, he lost to US Champ Santino Marella. Apparently the WWE wants to give Swagger the push toward the World Heavyweight Title and give him a Wrestlemania moment by facing Del Rio. Face ADR versus Heel Swagger... it works. However, in my mind, there is this nagging little piece in the back of my mind that sits there and goes, "Hey, what about me?"

I'm talking about Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler, with the absolutely beautiful distraction in the five-foot-two form of AJ Lee and the large-as-life Big E Langston; might be a wild card in this equation. Ziggler nearly walked into Wrestlemania AS the World Heavyweight Champion last night as Langston dismantled Alberto Del Rio and attempted to cash in his briefcase. If the next upcoming PPV was any OTHER PPV than Wrestlemania, I would rule out Ziggler. But... it IS Wrestlemania, after all. To steal the show, so to speak, I want to believe that within the next few weeks or even at Wrestlemania, Ziggles will cash in.

Back to Swagger. With the addition of Zeb Coulter flanking him as the patriotic mouth-piece, I would hope that Swagger doesn't fall flat in his chase for the WHC at Wrestlemania. I just don't see any sort of credibility on Swagger to carry the World Title. If my memory serves me correctly, Swagger hasn't won a single's match for over a year. From what I believe, is the WWE really going to let a superstar with a one year losing streak a chance at the title? But again, they let a Hollywood actor gone from wrestling for ten years walk in and become WWE Champion. Go figure.

If the WWE has faith in him, let's just hope that he doesn't drop the ball.


Cena puts up or moves out of the way

The WWE has given John Cena many opportunities this year to afford an opportunity for the WWE Championship. He cashed in the RAW Money in the Bank contract and lost a legitimate bout between him and CM Punk; was defeated by CM Punk at Night of Champions; was defeated AGAIN by Punk at Survivor Series; and now became the Royal Rumble winner for the second time to headline Wrestlemania for another chance at the WWE Championship. Four chances, one year. We understand that he is SuperCena, but year after year we have Cena shoved down our throats like vegetables we need to eat before we get to the dessert. Following twenty-fours hours removed from Elimination Chamber, CM Punk has goaded Cena into giving up his Royal Rumble spot in Wrestlemania in a Winner Take All match next week. If Cena wins, he finally has Punk put foot-to-mouth and shuts down his winning streak. Punk wins, well, he goes to Wrestlemania. SuperCena will prevail, and still headline Wrestlemania with the Rock. Why would the WWE throw a curve ball or a wrench in the gears? To take the IWC off of the horse and say, "Erhmahgerd! Punk may win!" Highly doubt it. I was going to doubt Rock was going to win at Wrestlemania until he debuted the new championship belt (which I will get to in a moment). Cena supposedly is going for the win with Rock VS Cena II to even the score, but with the new title on the Rock's shoulder, I have mixed feelings about the Mania match. At this point, it can go either way. But I will be extremely surprised if Punk retains his winning streak against Cena intact this coming Monday.


The WWE Championship

After eight long years since John Cena debuted the "Spinning Shipwreck" of a championship (courtesy of Edge himself), The Rock brings out a redesigned championship. It has been long overdue, and I am glad for the change. As he said himself, The Rock will not go to Wrestlemania with a toy; a prestigious trophy that spins. But, I will say that when The Rock claims that a championship should honor past champions and inspire future champions, his statement is misplaced to say the least. The new WWE Title is a fresh change, but the WWE Championship looks like a Hollywood marquee from the El Capitan Theatre. I do happen to agree with the Rock when he states "inspiring and honoring", but the current title doesn't inspire me, nor do I feel like it honors past champions. Another thing that bothers me is the lack of a nameplate. Obviously, you don't need a name plate to distinguish who is the WWE Champion, but one could just get a replica, and "be" the champion with the old school yard rule, "It doesn't have your name on it!!"

But with everything said, I am appreciative that the WWE put the spinner belt in the vault, and we are looking at a new WWE title. For the future generation of the WWE.