A Rumble Disaster

The WWE screwed up last night at the Rumble. Big time.

Without the inclusion of Daniel Bryan, THE hottest superstar in the WWE right now, the boos were deafening throughout the arena.

The Universe was awaiting the YES chant, but were forced to chant NO.

And, as Daniel Bryan makes stake to it, the Machine kept him away, once again. No one cares about John Cena and Randy Orton. It's been done way too many times. Nobody cared when Rey Mysterio came out as entry #30. He was emphatically greeted with heat as he came out, and you could even tell he was more than shocked to hear boos instead of "booyakas".

And nobody cared when Batista became the winner of the Royal Rumble. The immense frustration of the crowd (along with several former superstars) distracted from the Rumble. The announcers wer

e distracted; you could even hear it in Jerry Lawler's voice. Sheamus and his surprise entry was blown. And Batista's big return, lackluster as is was on Monday, was blown clear out of the water Sunday. He even was found swearing flipping off the Pittsburgh crowd, and even mocking the YES chants as he removed himself from the ring.

Does the WWE even care about what the Universe wants?

Of course not.

Because even if you claim you will never watch WWE programming again, there are only a handful that will adhere to it and go watch the abysmal programming of Dixie Carter permanently.

And I guarantee that you'll tune in tonight to see what happens with Daniel Bryan. Does the WWE turn a 180 and change things up to suit what the viewer wants? What if this is just pure marketing strategy to shake things up within our homes?

Vinnie Mac has always been a sh*t stirrer.

And could you even imagine Batista's rage when he reached the Gorilla Position? Not the ideal setting of what he was looking for. Honestly, with his returning storyline limping into the barn, WWE should have made him a surprise entrant into the Rumble at the same time Del Rio was in the ring and fought because of the "Twitter War."

All in all, it was a horrible PPV. Worst I've seen in years. And if this is any indication on how the Road to Wrestlemania will end, I think the WWE needs to fire a few writers. And I'm glad that a Diva's match wasn't on the card, but thinking back on it, an AJ Lee match would have been better received than what had transpired.

Usually a winner is an ecstatic one after the PPV, but in this case, Batista was visibly upset.

On a lighter note, the Big Show/Lesnar match was pretty spot on. Just as he's been written, Brock Lesnar needed to showcase being a rough and tumble monster. He took a WMD from a giant like a champ, and delivered an F5! And he should! The past year or two, Lesnar has taken Pedigrees, Attitude Adjustments, and GTS' and still came back for more after the match. The Beast Incarnate. And this leaves an impression burned into everyone's mind that Lesnar has a legitimate chance to shatter the Undertaker's streak.

Further, three superstars emerged as huge topics on interest. Bryan for one. Bray Wyatt for taking out John Cena with Sister Abigail, and Roman Reigns.

I've been saying this for some time. This born-and-raised Anoa'i, along with several of his distant relatives like the Rock, Rikishi, Umaga, Yokuzuna, and the Wild Samoans, will become the next break-out star. He's got the look, the drive, and more importantly, the lineage. And with being second place (although second place isn't a winner), Reigns stood out and stood out strong with breaking records in his first ever Rumble appearance. I was impressed, especially with him going toe-to-toe with Batista. Spear for spear. I wouldn't be hard-pressed to see Reigns win a Money In the Bank contract or a number one contender's match in the near future.

But no matter what anyone says after the Rumble, I will be tuning in tonight. I'm a mark. I'm a fan, and I'm not going to let one PPV screw my views on what continues to entertain me on a weekly basis. Yes, I am disappointed, but there have been many other PPVs that have disappointed me all the same.

Just stick to what you know. Watch the product.

WWE Royal Rumble 2014

WWE Royal Rumble 2014

The Road to Wrestlemania continues this Sunday with one of the last stops along with way in Pittsburgh, PA. As a few matches are already within the works and ready to go, the results of the PPV creates the mold for what's happening in the next few months and what becomes Wrestlemania, as everyone who follows WWE knows very well. Being Saturday evening, the PPV card is typically set, along with one or two changes between now and Sunday. I foresee a mid-title and a Diva's Championship match being added to the card, but at this point in time, would it really matter or change any draw for the event?

I didn't think so.

In any event, I prefer the Royal Rumble over any other pay per view as my top pick. Why? Because of the Rumble itself. For the past 26 years, the unpredictability of which wrestler appears next is what appeals to me, the unique structure of the match itself, and also the recent idea of inactive superstar returns. Who will be the next guy? Who will win? Granted, the winner is more often than not pencilled in within "striking distance" or written into the plot of the night, but the idea behind the Royal Rumble cannot be compared over anything. There are similar, smaller 15-man Battle Royals, yet the Royal Rumble event creates anticipation for me and employs the best showcasing out of all the superstars.

I am tuning in to see the surprise entrants. From Mick Foley, Mr. Perfect, Kharma, Diesel, and even last year's Chris Jericho returns, my mind is abuzz of who would return;

- The crows nest looks a little empty.
- Nothin' like an Irish Brogue, fella.
- The peeps! The peeps!
- Thirty years, brother! Eat your vitamins.
- The Rumble is in Pittsburgh. Oh, it's true. It's damn true.

And the final question: Who wins?

Now, I am lead to the card itself, outside of the Rumble. In my opinion, the rest of the card doesn't bring too much to the show. Individually, several superstars have grown in character, and have made something of themselves, but I don't see 5-star matches rising from the PPV where they should arise from.

Kickoff Show Match for the WWE Tag Team Championships:
Cody Rhodes & Goldust (c) vs. The New Age Outlaws

For the past few months, The Brotherhood have made each and every tag match I've seen them in more and more easier to watch. Cody Rhodes and Goldust have singlehandedly rebuilt the tag team division, and their stay power as champions have drawn more credibility to the gold. The Tag Team Championships have more credibility at this point than the US Championship. Why? Because they're always defended, and are defended within the quality of the match-ups in which they are defended in.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, the Kickoff show proudly brings to you an old-school taste of WWE Attitude with the New Age Outlaws. Throw in a Goldust in his prime and his younger brother, and this gets the crowd riled up, for sure. I like this match on paper, and I'm pretty sure that the match will be a great one. For nostalgia purposes, I'd love to see the New Age Outlaws take the win here, and for storyline purposes, it would be a fantastic way to build a storyline up with repetitive losses between the Brotherhood for a brother on brother match at Wrestlemania (as Goldust originally intended). I'm split 50/50 on this, because if and only if WWE decides to begin the brother to brother feud, the loss needs to happen now for a solid build up. Recently, Goldust had made a mention of pulling back his original request to feud with Cody Rhodes at Wrestlemania, but this may be just to deter the average smark away from the real match at Wrestlemania. Who knows.

All in all, I'm going with the New Age Outlaws as a D-Generation X rehash win to spark the feud between Rhodes and Goldust. It'll be very entertaining to see NAO back in action and working as tag champs.

Winner: The New Age Outlaws.

Daniel Bryan vs. Bray Wyatt

From what I've noticed, anything that develops with the Wyatt Family starts and finishes as a huge cluster of nonsense that drives me up the wall, as if WWE doesn't know what to do with the Wyatts but want to make them relevant. First it was Kane, then CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, now just Bryan alone. Whatever happened to CM Punk??

Oh, that's right. He's in his own feud that makes no sense with the Shield.

On top of that, Bryan joins the Family, and leaves not even a month later. What kind of madness is that?? It seems as though Vince McMahon and Triple H really are into the "bigger than life" wrestling superstars and want to leave the Indies where they should be on the mid-card, because Daniel Bryan has been pushed and buried, pushed and buried since Summerslam 2013. Take a step forward, then two steps back into the mid-card.

Drives me nuts.

Bryan needs this win to go over into the Road to Wrestlemania strong. Rumors are flying around that Sheamus is expected to return from his injury, and there will indeed be a rematch between both Bryan and Sheamus at Wrestlemania XXVIII. Hopefully it lasts longer than eighteen seconds.

On the other end, Bray Wyatt is rumored to face John Cena at Wrestlemania. Another oddball feud that comes out of nowhere! Again with the random attacks upon unsuspecting individuals. Granted, it's outstanding to see Cena take a step back out of the spotlight and become a team player, but the random feuds with the Wyatts are just to keep them relevant and in the eye of the general public.

Wyatt takes the loss to move on and build himself back up (and be buried by SuperCena at Wrestlemania), and Bryan needs the win to elevate himself into Wrestlemania.

Winner: Daniel Bryan

Big Show vs. Brock Lesnar

Another throwback from the beginning of the Ruthless Aggression era, with Big Show once again facing the likes of Paul Heyman and the Beast Incarnate--Brock Lesnar. Both superstars are older and wiser. Not sure if they're in better shape since the last time they collided, but if we get to see the ring collapse, I'll smile and mark out.

I'm honestly surprised Paul Heyman isn't more of a mouthpiece for Lesnar, reminding us with every piece of WWE programming that Lesnar is the man to beat, building up his client like a heel manager should. No wrestling. No competing until the Rumble. Just enough to gather such irritability and heat to make Show look like a hero lumbering from the Gorilla Position to the ring on Sunday.

Since returning, Lesnar has inserted himself in top-card feuds, slowly taking a step down in each feud. First Cena, then Triple H, CM Punk (with a win to his credibility), and now Big Show. Big Show needs to be dominated and destroyed. Why? Because Lesnar is having less and less of a meaningful match, and with the rumored match at Wrestlemania, he absolutely cannot lose.

Lesnar must look strong going into Wrestlemania, especially if he's challenging the streak.

Big Show has nothing lined up from here until the Big One. Maybe taking some time off? Time will tell.

Winner: Brock Lesnar

30-Superstar WWE Royal Rumble Match

As with every year, the Royal Rumble match is tradition for twenty six years, and the winner goes on to headline Wrestlemania. And what makes this Royal Rumble match so unique, is for the simple fact that there is no secondary title for the second place. That irked me about the brand split; why reward mediocrity? If you can't win the Rumble, you get squat. Get a number one contender for the World Heavyweight title at Elimination Chamber and move on.

This year, that won't be the case. Thirty men enter. One man leaves on top of the mountain. With the title unification, I am also curious to know if the Money in the Bank PPV will no longer be a PPV, and instead return at Wrestlemania?

Moving on to the match itself, the winner has all signs point to the returning superstar, Batista. His two year contract brings to the table a WWE World Heavyweight Championship run; why else would he return? A high payout and a chance to go out in style when and if he does leave. And Triple H made that happen as the Chief Operating Officer. I can only imagine being the fly on the wall listening to the phone call:

HHH: "Batista. Hey, listen. I want you to come back and wrestle for the WWE again. Leave that MMA bullshit. I'll make it worth your while."

Batista: "Hunter, I told you before--I don't want to wrestle for your father in law again. It's not worth it to me."

HHH: "Remember your last run here? You went out like a little bitch. Redeem yourself! Come back and show everyone you're the ANIMAL!"

Batista: "Hunter, no. I can't"

HHH: "How's a matching salaried two-year contract to Cena's, entry at #30 in the Rumble, and a WWE title run?"

Batista: "Fuck it. Deal!"

It's already inked in stone, and I can pretty much guarantee that's the scenario. Batista will enter as number 30, and clean house. I'd be more impressed if CM Punk pulled off what only Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit have done in the history of the Rumble and goes on to win the match at #1. Eat that, Kane!

With the Rumble, my intrigue is not about the winning participant. It's about the unpredictability and bending the rules. I'm talking about the similarities of what Kofi Kingston does nearly every year and his creative ways to not be one of the eliminated participants.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match:
Randy Orton (c) vs. John Cena

I can't even count the number of times these two men have faced off against each other in their careers. It's old. It's boring. It's stale. Cena is always making his way into the main event. Orton does the same. Granted, they are outstanding performers, but Orton VS. Cena Rematch XXXIX needs to stop. It needs to be Orton VS Someone Else. And no more Cena, for at least six months. The match is already pencilled in for a win by Orton, but I'm interested to see how that happens. Does Orton win clean again like in TLC? Does Cena get the disqualification win? Or (I can dream), Orton gets the win by a Cena disqualification?

Either way, I'm not too thrilled about this. Lackluster at best for the build, and with Batista inserting himself into the mix, I hope that it's a solid build toward Wrestlemania.


That's all I got for you tonight, Spectators! Tune in to WWE's Royal Rumble tomorrow, January 26 2014! And to keep you entertained a little while longer, here is a little bit of Rumble Trivia for you!

Most Rumble Victories

Wrestler                 Royal Rumble Wins      Year
Stone Cold Steve Austin 3               1997, 1998, 2001
Hulk Hogan         2               1990, 1991
Shawn Michaels 2               1995, 1996
John Cena         2               2008, 2013


Longest Time Spent in a Single Royal Rumble
Top twenty individual superstar longest times in a single Royal Rumble match. As of the 2013 Royal Rumble.

Wrestler         Time         Year
Rey Mysterio 1:02:12 2006 (Went on to win it)
Chris Benoit 1:01:30 2004 (Went on to win it)
Bob Backlund 1:01:10 1993

Shortest Time Spent in a Single Royal Rumble

Wrestler                     Time Year
Santino Marella              0:00:01 2009


Most Eliminations in a Single Royal Rumble
Top wrestlers with most eliminations in a single match. As of the 2013 Royal Rumble.

Wrestler         # of Eliminations Year
Kane 11           2001
Hulk Hogan 10         1989
Steve Austin 10         1997


Total Eliminations in Cumulative Royal Rumbles
Top wrestlers with the most eliminations. As of the 2013 Royal Rumble.[95][verification needed]

Wrestler                 # of Eliminations Rumbles Entered
Shawn Michaels 39         12
Kane         38         16
Steve Austin         36         6


Most Rumble Appearances
Only wrestlers with at least 6 appearances are shown. As of the 2013 Royal Rumble.

Wrestler                  Rumbles Entered First Rumble Most Recent Rumble
Kane         16                 1996 2013
Shawn Michaels 12                 1989 2010
The Undertaker 10                 1991 2009
Rikishi         10                 1993 2004

The Animal Unleashed

Hello ladies and gentlemen, and welcome back to another round of the Wrestling Spectator. I have a few short topics that I'm going to smash together within one week (or two), so stay continued!

Batista is making a return January 20th, a little less than a week from the Royal Rumble, and this return won't be a short term deal--the rumor mill is speculating that this will be about a two-year deal for the Animal, facing off within main event status.

I mean, being who Dave Batista is, why would he come back unless it wasn't for TV exposure and in the spotlight picture? My question is, as with all the Ruthless Aggression (or any previous era) superstars, will Batista be utilized in the manner in which we are perceiving?

My sources say yes.

Batista is coming back for two reasons; a big payoff, and a proper send off. His last stint with the WWE had him taking his ball and going home like a whiny little b*tch playing second fiddle to John Cena, so more than likely, he's interested in a feel-good way to leave. And Triple H will see to it. Here in lies the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. He will be the next guy to be thrown into the pot for the belt, and my estimation is that he will carry it for quite some time. Within the past year, the WWE World Heavyweight Championship has been held by four different champions, and Cena held the title the most for a little over four months. Then Orton, then the Rock. I don't necessarily count the Rock as a legitimate champion because his reign was only transitional in order for Cena to gain his "retribution" taken care of and extend another run.

Triple H will make sure Batista takes the helm, much longer than his meager 35 day WWE Championship run back in 2010. More than likely, Batista will be pushed to the moon when he returns, possibly winning the Royal Rumble and headlining Wrestlemania. Of course, there are a few names passed around WWE corporate who are slated to win the Rumble (no Slater wins, sorry). Brock Lesnar being one. Sheamus being another (as a surprise entrant, I assume). Needless to say, I believe that the Royal Rumble will be an interesting mix of talent, new and old.

What will happen with Batista in the WWE within the next two years? Will Triple H control the powers that be and give Batista something he can proudly hang his boots on? Can "The Animal" defeat Randy Orton and become the new heel? Does he become a tweener and work as the "Anti-Hero"? Or does he allow the beast within to be released and demolish Cena (with or without Orton or the Authority) and the WWE locker room?

Time will tell. I am excited for Batista's return. Hopefully it's a great one.

Forbidden is the Promised Land

WWE's annual Royal Rumble pay per view is scheduled for January 26, 2014, giving a little more than a month to combine superstars from all over the WWE roster, and allow for some surprise entrants such as Booker T, Road Dogg, Big Daddy Cool Diesel, and others to name a few.

The Icon

This is also the same time of year where rumors are started about the legendary Icon, Sting, to jump ship from TNA to WWE's own ragtag group of misfits, solidify his career within four months with a defining moment at Wrestlemania, take his payout, and retire. Questions that circle around touch many different subjects, such as who does Sting face? When will he return? Will he be just a wrestler?

At this point, who knows. However, Sting currently is the oldest active wrestler between both rosters at 54, and the next oldest "active" wrestler is the Undertaker at 48, who at this point in time, isn't really active anymore (the oldest recurring "active" superstar for this statement to be legitimate would be Kurt Angle at 45). And therein lies the rumors--will Sting and Undertaker, the oldest remaining dogs in wrestling, battle it out at Wrestlemania 30? Or will Sting remain in TNA and retire?

These questions branch out to even more theories and oddball suggestions within the IWC. But my main question is, does Sting really want to venture into the wrestling Promised Land after twelve years of his original NWA/WCW home of fourteen years? Think about it... if Sting is given just four months to cement a legacy in the WWE after his expansive twenty-six year wrestling history, what could he possibly do to outshine all of it in that time frame? Is it even possible? Sensible critics say that the only way the Stinger can even equal all of this is by going toe-to-toe with the Phenom and defeating him on his own stage--in his own yard.

Would Sting come back and Beat the Streak?

Yes... that's right. Beating the Streak.

Granted, Sting doesn't need the rub. He doesn't need to be glorified to the extent of what a much younger superstar would benefit by putting down the biggest prize in all of the WWE. But who would benefit, rightly so?

One of the newer superstars? Someone in his mid-to-late twenties/early thirties to take down a man nearly twice his age and a fraction of his schedule? Disrespectful. Granted, a then-24 year old Randy Orton took on the Undertaker at Wrestlemania 21, but Undertaker himself was 38, in much better shape and actively wrestling then. Would have been a great birthday present for Orton to Beat the Streak (recently passed on April 1, 2005), but Orton became tally 13. Undertaker hasn't been in the best of shape, seen at Wrestlemania 29 against CM Punk. Triple H and Shawn Michaels did a number on the Undertaker in the years beforehand, and it shows. For the past ten years (save for Orton, and CM Punk), Undertaker has been pitted against opponents close to him in age.

John Cena? There have been talks about Cena facing the Undertaker for a while now, and has possibly been penned in for such a match, but does Cena need the rub from being in the match? Highly doubtful. John Cena has his own star power, and should be far away from anything Taker related.

Someone he's faced before? No. Frankly, Shawn Michaels was the only thing I could enjoy back to back

Would this possibly be the future for Sting as WWE Champion?

because the story behind it was legendary. Shawn Michaels WAS Mr. Wrestlemania, and Undertaker stood in the way of ultimate Wrestlemania history. Triple H (now a corporate big wig) placed himself in the Phenom's path three times in the past, and just needs to step away from the limelight. And what about our current WWE World Heavyweight champion? Randy Orton can be a surefire back up in case plans fall through, but it isn't necessary. CM Punk himself doesn't need another Taker feud, and everyone else on down the path of being his victims have become too old to make some relevancy.

Now before I get ahead of myself, if and only if Sting returns to the WWE, he needs to face the Undertaker. It needs to be booked for any sort of relevancy. IF it happens. Why? The WCW Icon who has never set foot in WWE territory facing the promotion's very own legend. Similar to an invasion angle, but this time, it's to settle the all-time question.

Of course, Vince McMahon won't let something from WCW beat him. Too proud. And quite honestly, I don't think Undertaker would job to Sting. But it would make for one hell of a storyline to entice Sting back. A WCW legend that never stepped foot in the WWE for over 26 years, comes to Vince's Promised Land, and beats the streak of WWE's own tailor made. It would be a huge slap in the face of the company, storyline intended, and if pitched the idea, I would guess Sting would no doubt go for it.

But that would be the only way Sting would be relevant in the WWE, and make something within a four month timeframe.

Now, this is all opinion on if Sting came to the WWE. My personal opinion?

Don't step one toe in the WWE. Retire as the only superstar that didn't need the machine. Make it to where

Is The Phenomenal One, AJ Styles
reaching out to the WWE?

the machine needed him. That's the biggest slap in the face of all. Speaking of, AJ Styles could benefit from not reaching out to the WWE. He has made an impact (in IMPACT! Ban pun, I know) outside of the WWE, and he doesn't need to join their ranks. Styles would be a "flash in the pan" superstar, and then minimized to the mid-card after a solid run.

I will reiterate; Sting is the oldest active wrestler to date; even Ric Flair himself "retired" from the WWE at 59, and Ric Flair had little steam left in him at that point. Sting has had an illustrious career outside of the WWE, and doesn't need a short term contract to possibly end his career on a high note. On top of that, Sting himself has expressed that he declined a contract from the WWE back in 2001 because he saw Booker T treated as a nobody by the Rock. Times have changed, of course, but would Sting be treated as a superstar? Or would he be buried by Taker, Cena, Orton, or even a rookie?

Today, World Wrestling Entertainment mass-produces and churns out superstars by the dozen. But before all this, there were several different promotions that people have made a name for themselves, and are synonymous with that company. There isn't a competitive domestic ship to jump from WWE, as TNA is much lower on the food chain than the corporate wrestling giant. However, the originals that stick with their company, who are loyalists and make a name for themselves create their own legacy and refuse to have a company defecate on their pride.

Sting is one of these superstars. AJ Styles can be another.

I would much rather Sting finish and hang his boots up in TNA. Accept an invitation to the WWE Hall Of Fame (since WCW and all rights are owned by WWE, I'd understand that), but never wrestle there. Sting's legacy has already tested the length of time. And his legacy should be known forever as the established Superstar who never wrestled for the WWE.

Thanks for reading, everyone! Stay tuned for more from The Wrestling Spectator, and follow us on Facebook!!

TLC 2013 Breakdown

Hello wrestling fans! It's been quite some time from my last article, but now I am ready, and back in action! Today, I will be reviewing the upcoming WWE pay per view "TLC". The main focus on this PPV is the unification of the World Heavyweight Championship and the WWE Championship once again, an event recreated from Vengeance 2001 with Chris Jericho becoming the first ever Undisputed WWE Champion by defeating then-World Heavyweight Champion The Rock, and then-WWE Champion Steve Austin.

We will have a new Unified Champion in the WWE, but who?

Dolph Ziggler vs. Fandango

I've noticed a lot of these "kick-off" shows that have former established superstars before the actual event. This sounds a lot like Sunday Night Heat in a way, but Heat was intended to start fresh wrestlers, not established main eventers. Both of these men have headlined Wrestlemania at one time or another, and now they're at the bottom rung of a PPV? Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of course, but with the high amount of diluted WWE programming is absurd. Simplicity is a key factor. WWE has their hands in so many cookie jars for advertising and marketing that it's unnecessary and bores the general public.

I'll get off my soap box, but this is a debate for another day.

Fandango and Ziggler shouldn't be this low on the card. It's outstanding to see them on the card at all, considering TLC 2013 is saturated with cheap bread, condiments, joined with a thin slice of cheese. No meat, all filler. In any event, this is the "kick-off" match to get things started for the PPV and liven up the crowd. Ziggler has been on a losing streak for four months ever since his break up with AJ (she goes up, he goes down) with the various mid-card championship chases. The guy can't catch a break, and now he's been delegated to face off against Fandango. I consider Fandango to be part of the "was promsing-less serious" aspects of wrestling--the Wade Barretts, Tensais, David Otungas... wrestlers that were destined for something great so long ago and part of what has been swept under the rug. Tensai(Albert) was scripted to to come back and demolish John Cena...

...never happened.

I can't tell who's going to win this one. Since Dolph is in a funk, and Fandango is on a similar path (spotted wins here and there), it'll be tough to decide. Frankly, I'm in high regard for Ziggler to make a win out of this one and get himself back in the title chase, and get away from wrestlers who have nothing going for them outside of your typical comedy act.

Prediction: Dolph Ziggler

Diva's Championship: AJ Lee(c) vs. Natalya

The Diva's division has slowly built itself up (and by slowly, I mean at a snail's pace) through the past few months, but I still can't help to use a bathroom break each time a cat fight breaks out on WWE TV. The Diva's division within the WWE hasn't turned a profit since the days of Lita and Trish Stratus, and even then, it wasn't a comparable dime to profit with...

...until Total Divas. The WWE-based reality show goes behind the scenes of half of the Diva division into their personal lives, and somewhat branches off into other superstars' lives as well (cue in John Cena and Daniel Bryan for starters). This employed idea ALONE grasps hundreds of people's attention because there is that hidden magic that no one sees outside of the typical WWE programming; what happens outside of RAW and Smackdown? This is, in my personal opinion, what is driving the vast majority to this show. It has been bumping the Diva's division little by little because of the outside exposure, but within the ring... I still see nothing that holds together any interest. All I see is a bunch of older high school girls squaking about their differences with a freshman who thinks she's Queen Bee.

Nonetheless, I think AJ Lee and the Diva's Championship has run its course. If WWE had maintained the power couple between her and Dolph Ziggler as World Heavyweight Champion, she may have more relevance and impact on the Diva's division. However, the WWE decided to go a different direction with Ziggles. It is time that we have a face Diva's champion, and with Natalya only having a little more than a one time, two month reign, it should be her chance to shine. Not only that, I hope by putting the title on Natalya, it will pull her away from that ridiculous clown disaster team of Hornswoggle and Khali.

Prediction: Natalya Neidhart

WWE Tag Team Championship; Fatal 4-Way Match: Goldust & Cody Rhodes(c) vs. Rey Mysterio & Big Show vs. Ryback & Curtis Axel vs. The Real Americans

A last minute championship addition to TLC 2013, this match has eight star powerhouses, and with so many egos clashing in one squared circle, it'll be a chaotic mess. An awesome chaotic mess. The tag division, in my personal opinion, has flourished into something much better from the past few years. Not as good as in the 90s, but definitely watchable. This is another match (outside of the main event) that I would definitely be tuning in to watch. Anything that I have watched within the past few months that have to do with the Rhodes brothers has made WWE that much more to stomach.

However...

Goldust has been lobbying for a Brother vs. Brother match before his return to the WWE. Is this still the Wrestlemania intent? Will there be any turn against one another at TLC? This should be playing in the back of every one's mind at the end of TLC. Then again, Cody and Goldust have been working very well together, and Goldust himself is in the best shape of his career and he fits in the tag team picture with his brother. Personally, I would absolutely hate this tag team to break up as it is a huge staple in the current development, but I think that it would put asses in seats. Some seats. A typical sibling rivalry, escalated in the ring over years of neglect from the American Dream.

Just an idea. I could be wrong.

Going down to the Big Show and Rey Mysterio, these two were frequently pitted against each other in tag matches and singles matches, even stemming to a "David vs. Goliath" match from a Big Show elimination at Survivor Series '05. So, by my research, this will be the first time that these two team up. Storyline wise, these two have been at it for quite some time, and now finally decide to team up for a quick tag team bout. I've seen much more weird things (the Rock 'N' Sock connection to be one of them).

The team of Ryback and Curtis Axel, I think, is a strong team, rebirthed as Paul Heyman "rejects". Not necessarily rejects in the sense that they may be quite a formidable tag team, and could dominate the division like the Rhodes have. I see big things in the future of these two superstars in 2014 if they stay relevant, and stay heels. Ryback and Axel can be like the school yard bullies starting trouble in the WWE Universe. I wouldn't mind to see these two as tag champs and pull off a nice little run, but we shall see.

The Real Americans I just cannot take seriously. Swagger has become a lame duck, and Colter is just a supporting comedic crutch. Cesaro is being pulled down in this whole comedy act, and has potential to be a part of something bigger. The Intercontinental Championship will become similar in prestige of the World Heavyweight Title, and much more individuals will be gunning after Langston (or future title holders), aching to bridge the gap between being an IC champion to the WWE Championship. And Cesaro should be part of that elite group. He's the only thing that keeps me interested in the Real Americans (that Cesaro Swing is killer, by the way), but as a group, it's just another wrestling faux pas that I get up and get a sandwich.

Prediction: It'll be a hard one, as usual with four way matches, and even more with tag teams. I'm going with the champs to retain.

Rhodes & Goldust: 70%
Ryback & Axel: 50%
Big Show & Mysterio: 40%
Real Americans: 20%

Intercontinental Championship: Big E Langston(c) vs. Damien Sandow

I liked the idea behind Cody Rhodes bringing back the "prestige" to the Intercontinental Championship (as all heels say that they will do sometime during their reign) and showcased the white IC title. However, I don't think that it fits well with Langston (or Curtis Axel, or any modern day champion). I am glad that Axel is no longer in the picture, and has made somewhat of a good tag team with Ryback (as "former" Heyman guys). With a little more fine-tuning, I'm pretty sure that Ryback and Axel would make for decent tag champs. But enough about what isn't to be. Axel is gone, and now WWE has pitted Langston against the "Savior of the Masses", Damien Sandow in a quick turn of events for the IC title. Langston is such a big guy, that I highly doubt Sandow will be able to knock him down off his championship run, and I see Langston as a credible Intercontinental title holder, and with being such, could be launched into the title picture. The upper card should be composed of very strong mid-card titles holder, and if Langston can hold his own, he'll be able to maintain a top spot in the WWE. It would be entertaining to see an Intercontinental Champion VS a WWE Champion match.

With that being said, and with John Cena having internal backing on the Big E, Langston will continue to hold the IC title for a long time, and dominate the mid-card.

Prediction: Big E Langston

CM Punk vs. The Shield (3-on-1 Handicap Match)

There is no reason that this match up should have even been booked. I understand the whole plot issue with both faces being punished, but between CM Punk and Bryan, it isn't needed. Honestly, this should have been a 2-on-3 handicap match for the Tag Team titles with Punk/Bryan and the Shield, continuing the IWC indy gloryfest storyline with Punk and Bryan since both superstars have been buried to mid-card players. As the 3-on-1 handicap went with the Big Show a few weeks ago, I don't see CM Punk tallying a win without some sort of outside interference from Bryan.

On the flip side of this match, the Shield have nothing better to do than to do Triple H's dirty work. As rumors have been floating around on the IWC, this is going to set up a future feud between Punk and Triple H, to which we will possibly see a continuation of the feud from Night of Champions '11. This also serves to be a temporary fix for the Shield to keep themselves relevant until their next task from the C.O.O.

Punk won't walk away from this one clean.

Prediction: The Shield

Daniel Bryan vs. The Wyatt Family (3-on-1 Handicap Match)

Another match up that really isn't necessary, but this one has a bit of build up and story behind it. It keeps Daniel Bryan busy until his "fair" WWE Championship rematch in 2014, and it builds the Wyatt Family up to be credible. Bray Wyatt, with the transformation from Husky Harris, has made something of himself as that creepy and sadistic persona--it's something that works for him, and it isn't too far out, or too cartoony. This is someone that could possibly be in the bayous of Louisiana in a horror flick.

Kidnapping aside, I think that Bryan will be "following the buzzards" after a nasty beat down and disappear for a while as what happened with Kane. Then again, Kane came back as a corporate big-wig, totally out of left field. Bryan will get the loss and disappear for a few weeks to allow a small program for Cena to develop (possibly a rematch clause from Orton) and squash real soon just in time for Bryan's return.

Prediction: The Wyatt Family  

WWE Unification Match: World Heavyweight Champion John Cena vs. WWE Champion Randy Orton (Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match)

What this PPV is all about. The ONLY match that people will be paying for, if they pay for this PPV at all. WWE is touting this to be a historic match eleven years in the making (Vengeance 2001). And no where in the TLC page describes anything about the original WWE/WHC Championship match... as if it never happened. There hasn't been any other mention of it even on television, Which is truly disappointing to say the least, because at Vengeance 2001 was a turning point in WWE's own history to finally unify the defunct WCW with the WWE.

This time around, the WWE is in need of one champion, one great individual that can be the target of the entire federation. With the brand split finally at an end, WWE feels that there isn't a need for two champions, as Cena and Orton respectively have shown up at both shows over the past few weeks, and this is simply to create and setup the next few months of programming and make it easier upon the writers.

This small feud started when John Cena began speaking in cahoots with The Authority (Triple H and Stephanie McMahon) and suggested that there be only one champion on November 25, sparking Randy Orton to lose what composure he had. Jumping to a small conclusion, Cena just wants to be WWE Champion again and to do away with the ridiculousness of the WHC title, but that's just my thoughts running through my head. The Authority thought of that to be a great idea (storyline wise anyway), and now at TLC, there will be a newly crowned WWE Unified Champion.

Between the two, John Cena and Randy Orton have had a long and storied clash since early 2004 (even before that in OVW), a lot of bad blood, and this will be a shining moment with both individuals, and will open up new possibilities and more feuds similar to that before the WCW/WWE Invasion storylines.

All in all, Cena will undoubtedly be the new WWE Unified Champion, and the "Face of the WWE". There were talks roughly ten days ago that there wouldn't be a crowned champion at TLC (pushing the storyline for the Unification out until Wrestlemania 30), but for simplicities sake, one champion is all is needed...

... for the time being. Needless to say, I feel that the TLC Unified WWE Championship match was a bit rushed, and that WWE Creative is struggling to put something together in a short amount of time. Deadlines change all the time, but the idea stays the same--At TLC, one man is walking away with two titles.

Prediction: John Cena


With a continuing thought, with no brand split and one WWE champion, I am interested to see usage of the United States Championship like the European Championship was back in the late 90s. Digging up some past archives during the Monday Night Wars, the only championships that were around at that point in time were the WWF Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, the European Championship, the WWF Tag Team championships, the Light Heavyweight Championship, and the Hardcore Championship. With the current set up, all the WWE is missing is the LHC, and the Hardcore championship, and since the WWE needs to stay PG oriented and has a new slew of cruiserweights in the roster, this would be the perfect opportunity to bring back the Cruiserweight title, and have those superstars still relevant. It creates a mix and variety of action (instead of having bruisers lumbering about for WWE title shots), and allows the WWE product to stay fresh and maintain interest in not only the flagship show of RAW, but the fast actioned pace of Smackdown... on how it used to be.

Thanks for reading! And see you at TLC!

Heat and Water

As I was beginning my musings on the upcoming TLC pay per view blog, I took a stand on my soap box and began a rant regarding the diluted programming of today's WWE and yester-years WWF programming. What was successful back then that could be used in today's era?

Understandably, if it isn't broken, don't fix it. But considering that there is so much advertising and marketing for the WWE right now, and with so many different programs that saturate our televisions at home, who can honestly keep track? WWE RAW; Smackdown; Main Event; Superstars; WWE NXT; AM RAW; and Total Divas, along with alternative programming overseas, such as Bottom Line, Afterburn, Vintage Collection, Experience, This Week in WWE, and Free For All. A total of thirteen programs, and where Germany and Austria show nine out of these thirteen! This total infiltration of WWE/TV is unnecessary and superficial, and not only does it pollute the airwaves, I would be hard pressed to think that this is also watering down what ratings RAW and Smackdown should be getting.

Case in point; from what I remember, about the time of the brand split, there was RAW, and Smackdown as your major shows. Then ECW/WWE (which was a poor rendition of what it should have been), Heat and Velocity. I'm not going to work with ECW as it was a rebirth disgrace that was beaten into the ground as a minor "C" show, but I will focus on Heat and Velocity for this blog.

A Velocity Moment Brought to you by Billy Gunn
and Mark Jindrak (07/17/2004)

At the point in time with a brand split, Heat and Velocity worked in tandem with their major counterparts, and allowed the lower mid-card some viable TV time, and even allowed new stars to come up from the rankings of OVW and FCW to showcase talent on TV. It was a minor pollution, and it kept the roster relevant. Heat and Velocity also allowed a handful of Cruiserweights to develop, even having a Velocity Cruiserweight Championship battle royal at one point in October 2005.

A battle royal of cruiserweights. I don't think there are even enough cruiserweights in the WWE to have enough for a battle royal.

The Olympic Gold Medalist makes his WWF Debut
on WWF Heat!

With the inception of the WWE Network, I can see the use of all this programming (plus tons more) allowed on a channel that displays 24/7 WWE wrestling. However, there has been rumor of the WWE network to be a premium channel. For those who aren't vastly rich or do not want to fork out a monthly fee for the service of the WWE Network, regular WWE TV should be limited to the two "A" shows within the week, a "C" show allowing nothing above mid card, and a recap of the week.

WWE Monday Night RAW.
WWE Friday Night Smackdown.
WWE Sunday Night NXT.
And Saturday Morning Slam.

Grand Master Sexay and Steve Blackman working together
on Heat. Mid-card talent used the right way on the
right show.

Whatever is left over should be designated to the WWE Network. Saturate that channel with all of the overflow for the hardcore and the nostalgic. And keep national TV simple. As there isn't a brand split any longer, and after Sunday's TLC pay per view, the WWE Champion can float over both shows, and be a target across the board. The Intercontinental title can stay specifically to RAW and be a top tier title defended solely on RAW, and the same idea goes for the US Championship for Smackdown. NXT should be influenced strictly by the rookies, lower mid-card, and cruiserweights, and can be the "kick-off" before a pay per view; and Saturday Morning Slam can have a continuation of NXT talent and a week's recap over one hour for those who missed all week (because the IWC doesn't have recaps and dirtsheets), or need a summary on a Saturday Morning.

This way, things stay simple, and WWE Creative could churn out much better storylines and programming on free TV. Just a thought, McMahon. I want to see the WWE product succeed just as much as the next fan, and this is why I take a few hours of my time, research, and write such compelling information with a non-profit stance. I bet anything TNA could take this same approach, SEPARATE THEMSELVES FROM THE NORM, and be a successful contender. But I don't see that happening. Not with the current management. Talent is there, mindset isn't.

Either way, this is my short rant before Sunday rears its head and presents to us a rushed and shameful product. But you'll get to hear that on Saturday. Take care, Spectators, and I will see you soon!

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!