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!

Three Stages from Seven Circles

John Cena has upped the ante when it comes to Ryback's personal choice of an ambulance match at WWE Payback into a Three Stages of Hell match. There have been only three other TSOH matches in the history of the WWE, and coincidentally, they all involved Triple H. The Corporate Son isn't involved in Payback's main event in any capacity, so this will be new territory for both men. I believe that Triple H himself thought of the idea for both men, as we haven't seen a TSOH match for about four years. But nonetheless, Three Stages of Hell is a nasty set-up, controversially more so than a Hell in a Cell or Steel Cage match because this can embody that stipulation PLUS others!

Triple H has fought three of the WWE's toughest competitors in the TSOH match, from Stone Cold Steve Austin, to Shawn Michaels, and finally Randy Orton at The Bash in 2009. Winning two out of three matches, and finally passing on the torch to Orton in a loss, this match was designed to take a WWE Superstar to a whole new element, and bring them out of their "one match" comfort zone. Below is the history of the Three Stages of Hell match.

Triple H vs Austin       No Way Out '01    Street fight No DQ Match    Cage
Triple H vs Michaels   Armageddon '02 Street fight Steel cage            Ladder
Orton vs Triple H       The Bash '09  One Fall         Falls count Anywhere    Stretcher
Cena vs Ryback   Payback '13  Lumberjack Tables Match    Ambulance

I have heard throughout the IWC community that these "stages of hell" at the upcoming Payback PPV would be absolutely hell to watch. Considering the slow pace at Wrestlemania XXIX with the Rock and Cena, I honestly hope that isn't the same plan going into Payback, as we have a little over two weeks (two RAWs) to build up to what could be an interesting storyline outside of the typical nonsense that is currently playing out. In my honest and humble opinion, the repeated "Ryback shows up, looks at Cena, Cena is taken out by the Shield, Ryback picks at the pieces" business only works on one or two occasions. We understand that Ryback is angry at Cena. And we know that he's trying to establish himself as a heel. However, WWE Creative needs to pull their heads out of their asses and make something happen that creates a bit of substance and makes the TSOH match credible.

SCSA vs HHH No Way Out 2001

Take a look at the incarnation of the Three Stages of Hell; Triple H failed to win the WWF Championship from Stone Cold Steve Austin, and had Stone Cold run down with a car by Rikishi, putting him out for nine months. Austin came back, and was attacked again (almost run over again by Triple H), multiple times by Triple H, until finally Mr. McMahon came up with the idea of the Three Stages of Hell match to settle their differences, adding a stipulation that if either one touches one of the other, they would lose their championship shot. Austin then attacked Stephanie McMahon (Trips wife), and Triple H attacked Jim Ross (Austin's friend). This was a heated rivalry that NEEDED a Three Stages of Hell culminating point because of all the madness and chaos. McMahon came through and demanded that all of this nonsense needed to stop. And it did. Triple H felt accomplished to where he needed to be in the main event at Wrestlemania, and it propelled The Game to where he needed to be.

HHH vs HBK Armageddon 2002

The second Three Stages of Hell Match was between Triple H and his longtime best friend/worst enemy, Shawn Michaels. The history between these two superstars was big, and a rivalry between them at Armageddon 2002 to culminate into the Three Stages of Hell became even more "personal". And the fire between Triple H and HBK continued and still continues even up to today. Armageddon 2002 built up around Triple H and Michaels chasing the WWE Championship since Summerslam 2002, going back and forth in their feud up until December 9th 2002, where General Manager Eric Bischoff invoked the Three Stages of Hell match between Michaels and Triple H for the WWE Championship. With Ric Flair adding fuel to the fire between them, Michaels retaliated with a shovel, a trash can, and even launched himself off of a TV trailer onto Triple H. Eventually, Triple H pulled out the victory in the last Ladder match event.

HHH vs Orton The Bash 2009

The last Three Stages of Hell match was Triple H facing his protege, Randy Orton. There was bad blood between Triple H and Orton from Orton's days back in Evolution, and this was no different. With a win at Extreme Rules 2009, Batista was taken out by Orton and putting him on the shelf, which led to a Fatal Four Way match on the following RAW to determine the new champion. With Orton defeating John Cena, Triple H, and The Big Show, he solidified himself as WWE Champion. Never one to be defeated, Triple H himself went right back and won a 10-Man Battle Royal to become the number one contender. Vince McMahon acquired WWE RAW back from then-"owner" Donald Trump and made the match for The Bash 2009 the Three Stages of Hell match. Randy Orton went on to defeat Triple H at his own playground with help from Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr.

Vince McMahon should be able to call a TSOH match,
not the superstars

Now, with going back in time through the history of this match, there was history between the competitors. Ryback is a fresh face (repackaged from Skip Sheffield) in the WWE, and there isn't much between Cena and Ryback to really solidify a Three Stages of Hell match and settle their differences (if any). On top of that, wrestlers don't throw themselves in this match. Vince McMahon and Eric Bischoff (in managerial capacity) made these matches, which created some structure to them. Three Stages of Hell was used primarily to force bickering superstars to stop. It was an end-all for feuds, and with Ryback and Cena, that should be the initial idea. However, from what I see, Cena came out, and decided to call Ryback's bluff with a "bigger" match. This reminds me of a man's "pissing contest" on who can shoot the longest stream, and that's not what this match should be used for. John Cena should have taken the match as an Ambulance Match, and beat Ryback at his own game. But this won't be the case.

Three Stages of Hell with Cena and Edge would have
been monumental!

I have been a fan of Cena *when it makes sense.* I'm a fan of any wrestler *when it makes sense.* A Three Stages of Hell match would have been amazing, for example,  between Cena and Edge. They had bad blood, feuds that rivaled many in WWE history. Both men were always at one another's throats, grasping for the title. Cena and Ryback haven't had anything intense. I honestly hope that Cena is beaten at his own game. It's not that I don't like Cena. It's just time for a new era. I also don't think that Ryback is the man that Cena should lose to in such a match like this, but beggars can't be choosers.

The Rock and his mild-mannered ego, Dwayne Johnson

The Rock claims in a recent statement, that he may have wrestled his last match at Wrestlemania 29.

"Mania may have been my last match. The 3 year goal was to come in & elevate the @WWE. Then proudly 'do the honors'."

~Source: http://www.WrestlingInc.com/wi/news/2013/0426/562324/rock-qa-highlights-was-wrestlemania-his-last-match/#ixzz2RgjOmfHk

Of course, there is a lot of speculation that this wasn't The Rock's last match; this blogger believes that The Rock's "true" last match was at Summerslam 2002 against Brock Lesnar.

This was the last match that we saw "The Rock" and not "Dwayne Johnson". When every People's Elbow, Sharpshooter, and Rock Bottom mattered. Granted, The Rock still has passion in the business, but this last match was before all the glitz, glamour, and showmanship that he currently possesses. Before Hollywood. Taking a look at this match and the Rock's most recent match at Wrestlemania 29, I was watching two different men. At Wrestlemania, there was no intensity, no drive, no passion. There wasn't even a "kip-up"! Everyone knew, from Cena, to The Rock, to the WWE Universe, that this was not The Rock; it was Dwayne Johnson. At Summerslam 2002, New York was on their feet in a match that was half as long!!

Ironically enough, the WWE wanted to put The Rock against Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules before he developed an injury. And honestly, I guarantee that The Rock wouldn't have the same tenacity as he had back in 2002. He put Paul Heyman through the announcer's table! Lesnar on the other hand, would kill the Rock at his current stage. And, of course, much of the results within the WWE are scripted, of course, but in the natural order of things, there are so many differences involved between the Rock of old, and the Dwayne Johnson of today.

Critics may say that I may be too harsh on The Rock. I disagree in that statement entirely. The Rock should not have ever returned unless it was to go all out in a blaze of glory. However, that was not the case. He came back with opportunity given to him; he took away CM Punk's impressive title reign to set up a WWE Championship match with John Cena. And Cena himself has just as much as a bad hand in this as the Rock does. I can understand the "passing of the torch" as Hogan did to The Rock to John Cena, but not in the way it happened over six months. It was quick, cheap, and it devalued a lot of the Rock's wrestling career, and it created a ripple effect that tarnished the reputation that CM Punk built on the WWE Championship. And everyone knew at Wrestlemania 28 that John Cena would be WWE Champion, the Rock would give it to him, and go right back into Hollywood, riding off into the sunset.

The Rock, before he hit Hollywood, was the WWE's Superman. Much like Hogan was Superman back in the Golden Era, the Rock one of the few superstars every child wanted to emulate. Cena has taken that mantle now, because of his own drive. But the difference between the Rock in the Attitude Era and Cena of today is that Cena has been shoved down our throats day in and day out without any break in between as a record holding 11-time WWE Champion. And now, we don't even have Dwayne riding off into the sunset; he's put on the shelf and scolded by film producers to stop wrestling because it's bad for their pockets. AND HE LISTENS!! Then again, Vince is no longer writing his checks; Hollywood is.

All in all, whether we have The Rock or Dwayne Johnson, I respect the man for everything he has done for the wrestling business, and what he continues to do even though he doesn't necessarily need to return to wrestling entertainment. He is also a talented actor (in some aspects; never do children's movies again). Granted, I am disappointed that he didn't go out the way he may have wanted to, and I am pretty sure he shares similar sentiments, but I would be more impressed if the Rock went out on a higher note with a differently packaged Cena. A face Cena defeating a face Rock did nothing for credibility in the Wrestlemania 29 match for either man, It wasn't exciting, and it just hurt the Rock.

Dwayne Johnson needs to stay in Hollywood. If the Rock ever returned, he should return as the man of steel he once was.

Just not like this. 

Road To Wrestlemania Quickie Report

Feed Me Sexual Chocolate

Imagine that... the marketing would write itself.

Ryback is rumored to face Mark Henry at Wrestlemania

Ryback and Mark Henry have been teased for an upcoming feud, quite possibly rolling itself into Wrestlemania 29. I may be getting a bit ahead of myself, but with the way Ryback was immediately pushed into the main event scene because of John Cena's "unjury" (injury that one can amazingly recover from), and then dumped on his head and buried by the Shield, I am happy that Ryback will have a pretty solid feud with Henry, and will allow him to possibly pick up a win from a credible opponent. Ryback needs a chance to get away from jobbers and the Shield, as it is doing nothing for his credibility. Going from replacing Cena against CM Punk to the Shield, to squash matches brings star power to mid-card status. Jobbers are doing nothing to propel Ryback into the main even again, and the Shield is doing nothing except burying him. Fortunately, Mark Henry couldn't have come back at a better time.

This week on RAW, Henry and Ryback had a One-Up-Manship against the J.O.B. Squad of today; 3MB. Before that, they had a stare-down between the two. Now, in order to ignite the feud, Henry has come out and smashed upon Ryback, after the decision was made for him to join Sheamus and Randy Orton. The Big Show will most likely be the replacing candidate to face the Shield. Great opportunity for Mark Henry and Ryback to show how two major powerhouses can collide and make it out alive. Curious as to how these two will lead up and break off on their own. I would like to see Ryback placed on Smackdown, away from the politics of RAW, and run for the World Heavyweight Title. It's a long shot away, but it'd be nice. With that said, Mark Henry and Ryback are more than likely going to be placed on the card, and continue their ongoing feud.


Dwayne Johnson is Missing, Luigi!

Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego---er... the Rock?!

We all knew it was coming; The Rock is nowhere to be found. He isn't found on the programming for next week's RAW broadcast either. And for that matter, John Cena wasn't on RAW last week either. However, The Rock is supposed to be ready to go on the last two weeks before Wrestlemania. This, I just don't like. I know that the man has a very busy work schedule, as many superstars come and go, but to place the WWE title on the Rock and have him disappear for movie screenings and such isn't a great way to build any type of momentum going into Wrestlemania. This is the World Series of Wrestling, for crying out loud! For instance, Chris Jericho is around, and he has a busy schedule himself, and he has been advertised much more than the Rock leading into the big event. But they haven't placed gold around his waist. Nor does he want it. The WWE may place the Intercontinental Championship there, but it most likely will go to the Miz. This goes the same with the Undertaker. Granted, the Rock has made more appearances than Taker has, but I don't see an excuse where he can take a couple weeks off before such a pay per view. I would hope, that if the WWE continues to leave the strap on the Rock, to have him run a full schedule into Extreme rules where he should lose it there. I doubt that the Rock will leave Wrestlemania with the title around his waist, but as moments come close, Vince will tear down and build the card back up the way he wants to. Never say never.


Family Redemption

Triple H is faced with a hurdle next week on RAW!

Brock Lesnar accepted Triple H's challenge at Wrestlemania... but on his own terms. To be revealed AFTER The Game signs the contract. We have a match! But... at what cost to the Chief Operating Officer? The game is on, but the main question is, what are Lesnar's terms? Dirt sheets claim a possible MMA-style match, which seems likely with Brock Lesnar's current MMA background, but it could be anything at this point in time. It could even be Triple H tied to the bottom turnbuckle and having the daylights stomped out of him. Triple H hasn't backed down from a fight, but I don't think that this is one that will be easy to walk away from. This is ultimately about family, and Paul Heyman and Brock have hit Triple H right in the feels (and has been for nearly a year now) with family and friends. First name calling Stephanie and his kids, his friend Shawn Michaels, to now Billy Gunn, Road Dogg, and Vince himself. Brock has shown himself to be a monster, and without a weight limit like he had in UFC, he's getting up there to perform some serious damage. A win for Lesnar will ultimately keep him happy; Triple H isn't going anywhere, but Lesnar can.

Triple H is supposed to be behind the scenes as a corporate leader, and he should take the high road; let Lesnar have this win, and stay in the management scene. Avoid inserting himself into main events as Hogan currently does. Be the leader. Lead by example. He has done what he needed to do for the WWE as a wrestler. Allow Brock Lesnar to step into the spotlight and dismantle the WWE piece by piece. Let him be the unstoppable monster heel aligned with Paul Heyman as a mouthpiece, and Lesnar will do great things. CM Punk and Paul E. were good. Heyman as a mouthpiece for Lesnar is even better. Let's hope they both stick around after Mania.


Living Legacy

"Success isn't permanent, and failure isn't fatal." ~Mike Ditka

What happens leading into Wrestlemania 29 with
the Undertaker and CM Punk?

Such is the case with The Undertaker going into Wrestlemania 29. With the passing of William Moody (aka Paul Bearer), one has to wonder what the mindset is in with Mark Calaway. Taker and Bearer have been friends and allies (sometimes enemies) over twenty five years, and with the untimely death of Undertaker's urn-bearing friend, is this a foreshadowing of things to come? Or will the Undertaker take CM Punk to the cleaners and cement a 21-0 legacy that the legendary Dead Man takes with him to his wrestling grave? Many in the IWC are mixed all upon this outcome, and while sides are for the Undertaker maintaining his streak, is losing at Wrestlemania that devestating to him? Sure, it will boost CM Punk to near-god status (and heat that can match Vickie Guerrero's) within the WWE, but will a loss tarnish all that the Undertaker has created in his tenure with the company? And with an internal agenda, will Mark Calaway the wrestler allow CM Punk to defeat the Undertaker at a Wrestlemania; to do what sixteen other superstars couldn't? That's the question. Or, will Calaway keep the record intact, retire, or possibly keep going every year until there is not much of an Undertaker left?

Being successful at Wrestlemania has to end somewhere. CM Punk can't be the man to carry the streak as he has already lost twice at Wrestlemania (26 and 27, respectively). However, what a twist it would be (as CM Punk currently holds the urn), if CM Punk became Undertaker's protege? If CM Punk became the NEW Undertaker with a reinvented look? Granted, the storyline of Undertaker's urn being stolen has been repeated and duplicated several times, and it's interesting to see what CM Punk does with the urn, or what the urn "does with CM Punk?" Needless to say, I'm highly curious to see what unfolds up through Wrestlemania. Age is a factor. Legacy is a factor. Young blood versus old school. And with the memory of Paul Bearer still fresh in everyone's mind, does that play a bit into creative to keep the streak alive?

Elimination Chamber Breakdown

Elimination Chamber Breakdown

WWE Championship -- The Rock (C) VS CM Punk

The Rock (C) VS CM Punk
Courtesy of WWE

With the Elimination Chamber less than a week away, the WWE has the PPV card built, and of course there will be a little bit of tweaks from now 'til Sunday. The Rock will put his title on the line in a rematch against CM Punk (and a smiling Paul Heyman in his corner) with the edge running against the eight-time WWE champion. If The Rock is counted out, or disqualified, he will lose the belt, going against typical one-fall rules, of course. With Heyman instilling this rule to Vickie Guererro (and on speakerphone, Vince McMahon), this will most definitely be put into play, most likely keeping The Rock within the means of countout. I believe that this will mirror the "screw-job" Punk and Heyman have been mouthing off about, to ensure that the Rock does not walk into Wrestlemania. Unfortunately, it is slated in the cards (and most likely in the Rock's contract) that Punk will lose and the Rock will headline Wrestlemania with John Cena for a second time.

TWS Prediction: The Rock defeats CM Punk with the Rock Bottom.


Diva's Championship -- Kaitlyn (C) VS Tamina

Kaitlyn (C) VS Tamina
Courtesy of WWE

Even though much thought shouldn't go into this particular match-up, and I try to give every match some credibility, but I cannot see this championship match, or any match-up in the future, any where near the caliber of Diva's/Women's wrestling as it was in the early 2000's with Trish Stratus, Lita, Victoria, and Jacqueline  These women could have been legitimate cross-over Intercontinental champions, and that's what I would like to see with today's women wrestlers; to make a legitmate "Diva", package them as tough women, but equally sexy, who could possibly take out a male cruiserweight. But I digress; this isn't about the legitimacy of the Diva's Championship--it is about the match between Kaitlyn and Tamina. Honestly, I will most likely be using the restroom with this in mind, as there is zero drawing potential. Put the title on Natalya, bring Eddie Guerrero's daughter in and team her with Vickie, and make this division a serious one.

TWS Prediction: No interest in this whatsoever, but Kaitlyn should walk away the winner in this one.


World Heavyweight Championship -- Alberto Del Rio (C) VS Big Show

Alberto Del Rio (C) VS Big Show
Courtesy of WWE

This feud has cultivated for some time between both these gentlemen, putting on such biblical proportions such as David VS Goliath. This also brings to mind the juvenile antics of the late Eddie Guerrero on, surprisingly enough, the Big Show back in 2003, but with a little more class, so to speak. However, after Elimination Chamber, this feud should be put to rest, so ADR can focus on his match at Wrestlemania. I don't think the WWE will put the strap back on Big Show as from what I see, they're going a different way for a transitional champion for the World Heavyweight title. Alberto Del Rio will go on to headline Wrestlemania, but I foresee he will drop it at the Grandest Stage of Them All. Of course, I can also be very wrong. But if Wrestling 101 has taught me anything, it's all a matter of predictability.

TWS Prediction: Alberto Del Rio defeats Big Show with the help of Ricardo Rodriguez.


Unites States Championship -- Antonio Cesaro (C) VS The Miz

Antonio Cesaro VS The Miz
Courtesy of WWE

Ric Flair has to be involved in this in some capacity. The Miz has begun to open up his play book to using many of Flair's arsenal, taking the Nature Boy's very own Figure-4 and using it in his repertoire of moves. A rub from Flair will assist Miz in his poor face turn, and might help him establish himself outside of his whiny endeavors to succeed as a good guy. Although the WWE has tried to have Miz work Cesaro before for the US Championship, I don't think the Miz is the American that will take the title from him. If Flair is involved, then that may turn into a possibility.

TWS Prediction: I'm feeling Antonio Cesaro retains. 


The Shield VS John Cena/Ryback/Sheamus

The Shield VS John Cena, Ryback, and Sheamus
Courtesy of WWE

Does the Shield make a legitimate stand, pull off a win, and prove to the WWE Universe that these young gentlemen can fight off the best of the best? The Shield has been hyped up for a while now, and with this being their second official match-up... what will we see? As Cena and Sheamus don't have anything to do until Wrestlemania (well, Cena anyway), they have been thrusted into this storyline to which The Shield claims Cena is the "injustice" in the WWE that they are trying to correct. What I don't understand is, why the other attacks on other superstars, such as Orton, Ryback, and Sheamus? If Cena is the problem, the "injustice", then all of the other superstars have no place in the attacks. The Shield should have named certain wrestlers and stated their injustices, or just kept their intentions hidden.

In any event, to protect Cena and make sure that he doesn't get hurt on his Road to Wrestlemania, I see The Shield putting Sheamus on the shelf for the time being (as he has nothing in the events up until Wrestlemania), Ryback will move on with the Shield in some capacity, and Cena going to Wrestlemania relatively unscathed. Much chaos will ensue, but the Shield will walk away with their arms raised.

TWS Prediction: The Shield pulls off a major upset.

Elimination Chamber Match for the #1 Contender Spot for the
World Heavyweight Championship
Courtesy of WWE

Elimination Chamber Match: #1 Contender for the WHC -- Randy Orton VS Daniel Dryan VS Kane VS Chris Jericho VS Mark Henry VS Jack Swagger

THIS is the match I am interested in seeing, and how it will play out. With so many new elements put into play into the Wold Title picture, I hope that this match steals the show at Elimination Chamber. Why? There are so many elements brewing in one kettle that can make this and the aftermath of the World Heavyweight Championship going into Wrestlemania so compelling that SmackDown may be a show I look forward to tune in to.

Daniel Bryan and Kane
As current Tag team champions, both Kane and Daniel Bryan will go against each other in the Elimination Chamber. Not favorites to win the match, both members of Team Hell No have had their quarrels recently, and may continue to do so within the chain walls of the Elimination Chamber. Yet, they have held the titles for some time (a little under five months), therefore, they may happen to team up and eliminate other competitors that serve a bigger threat, and ultimately eliminate one or the other (I see Bryan taking the opportunity to putting away Kane in some sneaky capacity). This is one element that may serve a higher purpose and a bit of intrigue to see what happens between the two. Dissension or unity? Either way, I highly doubt either man will walk away the winner, as I see a potential break up of an odd pairing.

Chris Jericho
Recently returning and doing a spectacular job at the Royal Rumble, Jericho has been on a successful run this time around unlike last time with Dolph Ziggler, and my money is on Jericho winning the Elimination Chamber. His experience is unrivaled and unparalleled with seven appearances, and ten eliminations in the chamber. Came really close to winning the Rumble; why not give him the opportunity once again to run for the gold... for about five minutes? Wait... five minutes?! Simple... I foresee Jericho winning again at Wrestlemania just to have Ziggler cash in his chance and defeat Jericho at Wrestlemania, setting up another storyline for Jericho to work, and send him out gracefully, passing the torch the correct way. Although I wouldn't mind seeing Jericho take one last run with the WHC winning at Wrestlemania and Ziggler cashing in, losing, and winning the belt legitimately at Extreme Rules or a future PPV.

Jack Swagger
A man that has absolutely no business in this match. I say this because he should have been connected to the United States Championship feud that the Miz is involved in with Antonio Cesaro. Cesaro has been running his mouth claiming that "no American" has been able to defeat him. The All-American American, Jack Swagger, could be the potential American who could have done so, with a perfectly placed face turn-slash-Kurt Angle rip. Again, I'm getting off topic here. Swagger's intentions are ill-fitting, and he won't make it past the third elimination.

Mark Henry
A little of a wild card here, Henry has returned to bring pain. I really can't say that he will be successful, but that does happen to depend on his chances on what time he enters the match. I haven't seen Henry carry a long-winded match in a long time, but a clean win over Randy Orton this past Monday shows that maybe Vince and Creative are willing to put the strap on Henry again, and keep him as an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. I'm unsure of the outcome with Henry in it, but I'm pretty sure that he will get one or two eliminations before he is through. Mark Henry is a toss-up.

Randy Orton
The Viper is stuck between jobs, so-to-speak. Orton hasn't had a legitimate feud (outside of random matches and attacks from the Shield) for quite some time. Placing him in this match without any build-up may be cost-effective for Orton and the WWE. Then again, it may be enough to start a feud with Alberto Del Rio and turn Orton heel in the process. Dirt sheets stated that the WWE was hinting at a possible World Title Match between Orton and Sheamus at Wrestlemania, but with Sheamus busy with the Shield, and ADR still with his paws on the belt, it seems very unlikely. Another toss-up, but much less favorable than Mark Henry walking out of the EC with the title.

TWS Prediction: Many elements, but Chris Jericho or Mark Henry takes the contender's spot.


All in all, this PPV card for the Elimination Chamber looks promising as the go-home pay-per-view for Wrestlemania. With the common element of the Undertaker still missing, along with one or two major focus points, there is some time to build for WWE's twenty-ninth spectacular. Let's hope the Elimination Chamber does not disappoint!

Justice Gathered In Black

The Shield from left to right; Reigns, Ambrose, and Rollins
Courtesy of the WWE

At the Elimination Chamber, The Shield (Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins) will be defending what they perceive as injustice versus the baby-face combination of Ryback, John Cena and Sheamus as their second official match up. Four months ago, The Shield has been showing up at random picking apart then-champion CM Punk's direct competition, and then spreading out to attack other faces within the WWE in an attempt to establish themselves and prove to be a dominant force, not unlike the Nexus. Many similarities are between the two heel factions, as the young Nexus developed from NXT, and so have the Shield. WWE has taken the NXT into a televised training ground for the up-and-comers, which is not a bad idea. It gives the viewer at home an insight on who the WWE is to groom, and bring to the main roster. However, back to the subject at hand, will The Shield be successful, and for how long?

With the Nexus, this was a rag-tag band of eight rookies who came within the WWE to wreck havoc with anyone in the locker room. Throughout their short two-month tenure, they were whittled down from disbanding, injuries, and dissection until CM Punk took over in December 2011. But I'm not talking about the New Nexus. I am making the comparisons between the Barrett-led Nexus to the Shield. Again, the original Nexus was short lived, and now with a four month and going status with The Shield, will this new faction from NXT work? Not many three-wrestler factions survived for a long run throughout the WWE, however there were a couple of mentions such as the nWo (with all of their incarnations), and Team Angle. The "three" in the stable is what leads to be the issue, however this may change with the new creative management shift. The Shield may be here to stay, maybe for a couple more months. Creative must have something for these guys to do, and they need to learn to effectively keep it switched up and compelling.

I always pitch for compelling storylines. It is what the WWE is lacking and has been for quite some time.

The Shield making their mark upon Rey Mysterio.
Courtesy of WWE

Ambrose, Reigns, and Rollins go into the Elimination Chamber against three of WWE's top faces as their second fight; the first was against Ryback, Kane, and Daniel Bryan. Cena and Sheamus, being former World champions, bring some legitimacy for a win to their team, and Ryback has been seething to get his hands on The Shield in a fair fight. And don't count out the rest of the WWE locker room who came out to keep the Shield in the ring while Cena, Sheamus, and Ryback took a page from the Shield and entered from all sides. Instead of a regular six-man tag team match, WWE should have booked it a Lumberjack match as the locker room emptied out and maintained some order. If, however, the Shield defeats their opposition clean, it will propel them as a legitimate threat and a serious force. I just don't see the WWE taking the Shield in that direction, not with the lumberjack match, and even with winning clean. Being a heel stable, I foresee a dirty win, if the Shield is given the win. With SuperCena being the "leader" of all this, I see the Five Moves of Doom to put away and bury the Shield. I see this, but I hope the Shield isn't given the ax so early in it's career.

Cena, Sheamus, and Ryback will be tested against the unity
of The Shield at the Elimination Chamber.
Courtesy of the WWE

Cena, Sheamus, and Ryback have nothing to lose if they don't pick up the win. Cena is already guaranteed a spot at Wrestlemania, and he is filling up his time while CM Punk slowly fades into another storyline of his own in order to face the Rock; Sheamus is filling in himself while he picks another opponent after Wrestlemania, and Ryback, well, he's stuck with the Shield until he ultimately wins, or is thrown into a mid-card championship with either Antonio Cesaro or Wade Barrett (whom are both busy, respectively). At this point in time, the WWE already has storylines lined up until Wrestlemania. The Shield will ultimately fall back and dissipate unless Creative gives them something to demolish and destroy every week. Unless...

Take the alliance with Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar. Heyman and Lesnar will lead the Shield to greatness.

Stuck Between a Brock and a Hard Place

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. As a Californian, I should be expected to watch the game being as there is a Californian team (for those of you who live under a rock, the San Francisco 49ers), but I would much rather be engrossed in wrestling, because as football goes away for a couple months, wrestling entertainment will always be here, and I can always entertain you fine folks who read!

With that said, Brock Lensar has signed another deal with the WWE, lasting all the way through Wrestlemania 31. Rumor has is that the deal inked is similar to what he is currently signed up for, showing up sporadically throughout the next two years and being paid an exorbitant amount of cash for his appearances.

Just another part-timer.

Brock Lesnar has signed a new contract to last
all through Wrestlemania 31
Courtesy of WWE.

Take this with a grain of salt; sure, the WWE has other "part-timers" like The Rock (current WWE Champion), Chris Jericho, Triple H, and at the current rate, the Undertaker. Yet with the amount of money going out into Brock's pocket and the money going into the WWE on an individual basis, is the contract necessarily worth it? And secondly, with the amount of time Brock has invested in the organization with actually making appearances, is it really effective enough to be engrossed in Brock Lesnar, the character? Lesnar made less appearances than Pay Per Views last year, randomly picking fights with John Cena and then Triple H for not being the corporate "Yes Man" as Laurinaitis was at the time and allowing to let Lesnar run a muck within the WWE. Eventually, Brock broke the Game and "left" as the newly crowned "King of Kings" and Touting to the WWE Universe that he didn't need to be a part of the WWE any longer, and took his leave with Paul Heyman in tow.

However, Paul E. Dangerously came back a few months later in September with a new protege in mind; CM Punk. Heyman's alliance with then then-current WWE Champion propelled CM Punk into a chorus of boos and major heat, as Heyman himself, known over years of wrestling to be "the" bad guy from his days of ECW. Paul Heyman portrays a new level of extraordinary persona of the heel character, and instilled a partial of his own sans-credibility to Punk. CM Punk went on for a record of 434 days as champion, with three of those months with Paul Heyman at his side. Heyman even had newcomer Brad Maddox, and the fresh faced stable "The Shield" work under him to ensure Punk's continual reign as champion... and all these elements could have worked even longer, save for an intervention from Vince McMahon himself. All of these elements ooze heat by Paul Heyman, and he knows exactly how to work the crowd. This writer believes that Heyman himself is one of the better, if not the best, promoter-slash-booker. As Eric Bischoff stated as a title of his biography, "Controversy Creates Cash." Paul Heyman is the embodiment of it. Genius.

Paul Heyman "pleads" with Brock Lesnar last Monday night
to cease his attack on Vince McMahon
Courtesy of the WWE

But now, CM Punk lost the WWE Championship to Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson. What else is there for Punk? And for that matter, where does Heyman go from here? The result? Punk gives The Rock an opportunity for a rematch (what a twist!), and Heyman has been transitioned ever so smoothly from Punk to Brock with a "vicious assault" to Vince. Always known to be a "Paul Heyman" guy, Brock comes back at the right time to restart a feud with Triple H (part-timer extraordinaire, future embedded via Hogan-esqe ability), with the F-5 to the Chairman. And looking deeper into the scheme of things, Vince McMahon "screwed" CM Punk (aligned with Heyman) out the title. Heyman calls upon the Next Big Thing to take care of things with Vince, which will then connect everything down to the Executive Son-in-Law, igniting a repeat of last year's Summerslam for Wrestlemania. Part-timers then go their separate ways and leave the scraps to the active mid-carders.

Granted, this build up (which we haven't seen something this monumental and drawn out for some time) leaves for good storytelling, and there are so many elements and angles brought into this. CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, Vince McMahon, The Shield, even possibilities for Cena, the Rock, Triple H, Vince McMahon, and many more. All of these wrestlers are tied in with this story one way or another.

Courtesy of the wrestlingtruth.com; WWE

And stuck in the middle of everything, is Paul Heyman.

It's Good For Business

It's good for business.

Understandably, this may be a little late (or early depending on how you take this to heart), but as an opening article coming off the heels of the Royal Rumble, it seems as if the stars are aligned to have Cena VS Rock II at Wrestlemania. A lot of individuals (particularly the IWC) are saying that Cena VS Rock was only supposed to be "Once in a Lifetime" and the WWE should not book this match again. I agree, from a fan's point of view. I also agree, from a business standpoint, this rakes in big money and will pay out for both men involved.

The Rock winning the WWE Championship from CM Punk.
Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment.

But what happens after Wrestlemania? The WWE Title will be on the line at this point, as the Rock currently holds it, and you know that he won't drop it so quickly at the Elimination Chamber, and regardless of who wins it, I want to know, that, if John Cena makes the score even and the Rock goes back to being Dwayne Johnson, what happens to the big numbers for the next couple of pay-per-views?

Quoted from "Wrestlezone"; WWE Releases RAW Success

Ever since WWE released their three-hour format, this past RAW has been their most successful, due to the media following the championship win of the Rock. It's good for business. Not only has this reached the "WWE Universe", but ESPN and other outlets have touched upon the win after ten years, and gave the WWE five MILLION total viewers. Regardless of whether or not the "RAW Roulette" torched the show in keeping interest, the Rock drew fans. Brock Lesnar draws fans. Jericho draws fans.

But again... what happens when the Rock goes away? What happens when Brock and the other part-times fade back away into pure obscurity and leave Cena, CM Punk, and the rest of the regulars to pick up the slack? Viewers will again tune out or change the station to something more compelling than what we have ben used to for the past year or so.

Back to the loyal three-million viewership that the WWE is used to, most likely. But, how can the WWE market hold onto these five million fans? Milk the Rock and the other "Attitude" superstars? Bring back part-timers once every couple of months and blow up ESPN and other entertainment outlets to survive?

I say otherwise. Work on the talent that is able to be utilized NOW!

The Attitude Era, based on the opinion of this writer, had
the edgiest and compelling story lines of the
past two decades

What makes the Rock, Brock Lesnar, Chris Jericho, Austin, and others from the Attitude Era compelling TV? The answer is simple. Compelling storylines and intriguing characters. Stars from the Attitude Era were all about amazing action, and were gripping to have the viewer turn in and watch. The Attitude Era allowed the viewer to watch an action movie for free in the comfort of their own home! And it served for good television, and characters that as an audience was disappointed to see disappear.

With all this said, I believe that the WWE should work on what they have now, and disperse several writers and workers upon the other available talent and make is COMPELLING. Take a page from the 90s and write a story that brings the viewer back. Granted, there were some great storylines from the 1980s, but it has been awhile since the mid 2000s that wrestling was, in a sense, "entertaining" to watch. Seems as when the WWF got the "F" out, the "E" went with the attitude.

Pass the torch to the next generation of today.





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