We're on the final turn to Wrestlemania

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

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

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

Whatever happened to Bo Dallas?

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

WINNER: The Miz 

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

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

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

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

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

WINNER: Brodus Clay, Sweet T, and the Funkadactyls 

Fandango VS Chris Jericho

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

WINNER: Fan-Dahhhhhhnnnn-gooooo!

Ryback VS Mark Henry

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

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

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

WINNER: Ryback

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

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

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

The win has The Shield written all over it.

WINNER: The Shield

WWE Tag Championship Match
Team Hell No VS Team Zig E

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

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

WINNER: Ziggler and Langston

CM Punk VS The Undertaker and the Streak

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

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

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

WINNER: The Undertaker

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

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

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

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

WINNER: Brock Lesnar

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Alberto Del Rio VS Jack Swagger

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

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

WINNER: Alberto Del Rrrrrrrrrrriiiiiioooooo!!

WWE Championship Match
The Rock VS John Cena

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

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

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

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

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

WINNER: John Cena

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

DUI Insanity

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." ~Albert Einstein 

Let me rattle off a list of wrestlers here (don't mind the duplicates);

Jim Duggan
Iron Sheik
Grandmaster Sexay
Eddie Guerrero
Alex Riley
Buff Bagwell
Chris Jericho
Gregory Helms
Christopher Daniels
Eddie Guerrero
Jeff Hardy
Jimmy Uso
Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle
Marty Jannetty
Matt Hardy
Lex Luger
Santino Marella
Scott Hall
Ted DiBiase Jr.
Test
Jack Swagger
Jimmy Uso

Jack Swagger's Mug Shot

This is just a mere handful of WWE Superstars that have been busted for driving under the influence. Recently, we have had DUI stamped across the forehead of Jack Swagger and Jimmy Uso, whose arrest has been his second for DUIs. There is a bigger list of wrestlers that have other charges attached to their criminal record, but I'm just going to focus on the DUI's for right now, as this has become a major problem in the WWE with no public ramifications  As a wrestling community, we were all awaiting the gavel to be dropped down on the head of Swagger after his arrest with marijuana. But, nothing has happened. Then, Jimmy Uso is recently arrested with a DUI. Did he honestly think that he could get away with it in the WWE like Swagger did with little to no punishment?

Quite possibly. Without being upper management in the WWE, the IWC never had an idea of any major punishment to Swagger. He is even getting a PUSH into the main event picture with Dutch Mantel and Alberto Del Rio. Jimmy Uso might just have had the crazy idea to think, "Well, Swagger is getting a main event push. Maybe I'll get the chance to get some star exposure if I'm caught doing something reckless!" This can't be the thinking behind every superstar because another is getting away with such an action. I don't condone the fairness of doing something in the real world illegally and being praised for such actions. Honestly, I don't see Swagger and Zeb Coulter getting over much with the fans on a poorly executed storyline. It works... if executed right. If and when all the pieces of the puzzle fit, the storyline can be great. If the US Title was on Swagger, and he was going for the World Title, Creative would have more steam going into this. But Swagger wasn't punished.

Why the WWE doesn't employ the creative fan like me, I don't know.

Jimmy Uso Mug Shot

Now, we have Jimmy Uso. When will the WWE start cracking down on the negligent superstar? Of course, I see a hailstorm of issues coming to rain down on the head of the this Uso brother. But, where is the fairness? Jimmy Uso, if terminated/suspended/fined/etctera, will no doubt claim that the penalty is unfair because of the situation with Swagger. Then what will happen? Will this be a benchmark of what is considered fair in the WWE? If this is the case, I can see many superstars go out, get themselves arrested, be handed their pink slip, lose their title, or TV time, and cry out, "Well, Swagger got away with it!" Understandably, there have been numerous superstars (see above list) that have either been released, repackaged, or whatnot because of their idiocracy and dabble in the drug influences, and have been only given a slap on the wrist. But there isn't any consistency. It's like punishing a child for getting an "C" in school, and taking his brother to Chuck E. Cheese's for getting a "D".

WWE's Corporate Policy states the following (truncated for importance):

"Any WWE Talent, who is arrested, convicted or who admits to a violation of law relating to use, possession, purchase, sale or distribution of drugs will be in material breach of his/her contract with WWE and subject to immediate dismissal. 

In addition to the penalties that may be imposed pursuant to his/her contract with WWE, a violation of this Section may also be treated as a positive test for drugs prohibited by this Policy and therefore, subject to the penalties set forth in Section 15 of this Policy." 

"If a specimen of a WWE Talent tests positive for a prohibited substance... the Program Administrator will advise that he/she is suspended (or as the case may be terminated) in accordance with the provisions of the Policy. The PA then advises WWE of the matter and WWE informs the PA of the applicable suspension dates or termination date."

http://corporate.wwe.com/company/abuse_policy.jsp

This, right here, should be mandatory for all WWE personnel, and be practiced with consistency. This way, if you screw up and get arrested, you get put on notice, you get put on with negative media, and is given a suspension or termination paperwork. Otherwise, the WWE will be run a muck with drunken and drugged up superstars with no remorse. The Wellness Policy was put into place for a reason; the WWE initiated the program to better assist talent and to prevent accidents or even death. They did this for Eddie Guerrero; the Wellness Policy saved MVP's life with a routine check; this has benefited the entire WWE. Now, the WWE seems to turn a blind eye as of late. Is this possibly because Linda McMahon isn't running for politics anymore that the WWE is slowing down their inspections?

In account of fairness, both Swagger and Jimmy Uso need to be held accountable and be used as a demonstration of getting back into the corporate spill of things. Otherwise, the WWE may be held accountable for another death.

The Show Must Go on

(At least) Most of us understand that in the world of wrestling, rather in the WWE, about 80% of the business is scripted. That is the "entertainment" side of it, as it mostly an act. However, outside instances from wrestler's lives can alter the scripted outcome of what has already been written. That again, is the "entertainment" side of the business  And that is the beauty of it all; scripts can be changed and whipped up in a heartbeat. Even with wrestlers at the Gorilla Position.

Such is the case with Jack Swagger. A lot of buzz is happening and being spoken around the guy, and yet, there has been no "known" punishment given to Swagger to the public eye. That's where the politics side of it all happens. At this point in time, it is apparently the case that the WWE is going forward with the Swagger push and holding off on his suspension, as it seems as if it is, again, "good for business" as upper management sees fit. Of course, I would not hesitate to agree with Creative.

"But TWS? Why would you AGREE with allowing Swagger to evade punishment and get his push? This isn't fair to the other wrestlers who have been charged with suspensions and such!!" Although this isn't fair to plenty of superstars on the WWE roster, Swagger and Zeb Colter (Dirty Dutch, by the by) have garnished enough heat in the media with Glenn Beck and within the locker room "kayfabe" with Del Rio to keep this run up and not ditch it in the circular file. Therefore, in the eyes of WWE Creative, the show must go on. When Swagger no longer proves to be useful, then they'll slap on whatever punishment that they feel needs to be administered, if there hasn't been already.

Regarding the show, however, Swagger seems to have taken a backseat. In typical Superstar/Managerial roles, Swagger should be the one sending the message, and Colter the mouthpiece. Swagger is showing to be Colter's muscle in the vignettes  and Colter is sending the message, a la Shawn Michaels and Diesel. I believe this works for

Swagger, as he isn't too eloquent on the microphone, and Colter delivers points home time and time again in a controversial All American Tea Party influenced storyline. He has even caused a stir with Glenn Beck, who is a conservative commentator on his own radio show. As "The Atlantic Wire" mentions, Beck is losing the war with the WWE, as the radio host doesn't see the transparency and the "kayfabe" script of what the WWE has created. Co-Commentator Stu Burguiere argues the fact that back in the Golden Era, the WWE had created a storyline similar to this, but with the shoe on the other foot;

“Wouldn't the argument be, I mean at least one of the arguments would be, okay, they’re trying to create villains. They do this all the time. They are trying to create a villain. Like when I was a kid, I remember, like, the Iron Sheik. And the Iron Sheik was from I think Iran and he was always saying terrible things about America. Now, that didn’t mean the WWF at the time didn't like America. They were trying to make a villain out of the Iron Sheik, right? But this is different. It seems that the villain, the guy you’re supposed to hate, is this stereotype of a conservative that I've never met."

  WWE Creates Controversial Tea Party Character

Burguiere is right, but hardly anyone ever goes back to happier times when the WWE was with cartoon villains attempting to take over the wrestling universe. So, ever the opportunist, WWE offered a spot for Beck to have a chance to speak on RAW, to which Beck supposedly turned down. Therefore, WWE brought the fight to Beck's radio studio to get a chance for Beck to publicly state his opinion on the WWE's venue!

With so much controversy over Swagger's arrest, and then the immediate "pipe-bomb" that Colter and Swagger have already ensued, this is television. This is a storyline worth investing, and why dump Swagger in the suspension pile when this is running on all eight cylinders? There is no rhyme or reason, and most likely, just to keep the Tea Party going, Swagger must have had already agreed to something when he made his return. You don't see the man being buried immediately after his run in with the lawman; you see him dominating like nothing ever happened. And whether or not Alberto Del Rio makes a triumphant victory at Wrestlemania against a (potentially seeming) racist faction, this will continue. It works, and the show must go on.

It Takes One Time To Lose Your Swagger

One can only tell what is going through the mind of
Jack Swagger in his mug shot.
Provided by TMZ.com

The IWC is abuzz of Jack Swagger's inability to maintain and get thrown into the Mississippi slammer for a DUI and speeding. Due to the fact that Swagger had selfishly knocked out five other competitors at the Elimination Chamber and is foolishly booked for possession of marijuana, I had a feeling that somewhere along the line, Swagger was not championship material. WWE company policy states several components in regards to Swagger's situation. Based on a first offense and being tested for marijuana, Swagger will be fined $2,500 and suspended for thirty days.

From WWE Corporate's website:

In the event of any positive test for marijuana, the WWE Talent shall be fined Two Thousand Five Hundred US Dollars ($2,500.00) per positive test, which shall be deducted from the WWE Talent's downside guarantee.

WWE Corporate Company Abuse Policy

However, Swagger was not tested for it--he was arrested and booked in the Mississipi jail. WWE has a much more strict policy when it comes to superstar law-breaking.

From WWE Corporate website:

Any WWE Talent, who is arrested, convicted or who admits to a violation of law relating to use, possession, purchase, sale or distribution of drugs will be in material breach of his/her contract with WWE and subject to immediate dismissal.

In addition to the penalties that may be imposed pursuant to his/her contract with WWE, a violation of this Section 14 may also be treated as a positive test for drugs prohibited by this Policy and therefore, subject to the penalties set forth in Section 15 of this Policy.

WWE Corporate Company Abuse Policy

Will Swagger still walk into Wrestlemania 29
as the #1 Contender?

This right here can affect an entire outcome of not only Swagger's 45 day future, but the future of everyone connected to the World Heavyweight Championship, Wrestlemania 29, and the WWE. The question is posed, the gauntlet thrown; what does the WWE do from here? It doesn't look too good for Swagger's future, as he isn't a big name like Cena, Undertaker, or Orton (who has walked back into the WWE with five known suspensions). If the WWE allows Swagger to walk into Wrestlemania as planned, the Wellness Policy has no merits. The only other case that I can compare this to would be Rob Van Dam's arrest conviction back in 2006, and R-Truth's suspension in 2011. RVD would lose both the WWE and ECW champions, the alliance with Paul Heyman, and suspended for 30 days. R-Truth's suspension was delayed until after Survivor Series. Swagger doesn't have the World title, and if he did, it would complicate things even more. With this said, Swagger will most likely be thrown in a quickie storyline where he places his contendership on the line (similar to Punk/Cena for this upcoming Monday) and lose it to Orton or one of the other Elimination Chamber participants as a form of punishment, or be somehow taken off TV for a while to continue the storyline. That's my guess.

Or, just flat out hand him his pink slip.

This poses a number of questions for me on my end of analyzing this predicament. Many superstars throughout history are faced with a sudden lapse of judgment, but (almost) immediately bounce back and get right back into the title picture after their suspension. Even beyond Wrestlemania, will WWE maintain their composure and allow Swagger to bounce back into the title picture? Other stars such as Orton, Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam, and even Rey Mysterio were thrust immediately into title pictures coming back from suspensions, so would this honestly take the same pattern? The Wellness Policy violation reprocussions aren't as cutthroat as they should be; it devalues title runs and forces good employees to take a back seat in the thick of things. But... it seems that whatever is good for business will stay that way. I don't think that Swagger is good for business.

Listen to Rowdy Roddy Piper! Just say NO!
Courtesy of Google Search "WWE Wellness Policy"

Just say no to drugs, kids!

Elimination Chamber/RAW Aftermath

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

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

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

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

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

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


Cena puts up or moves out of the way

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


The WWE Championship

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

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

All-American Similarities

Your Olympic Hero, Kurt Angle
Courtesy of WWE

There is only one individual within this writer's mind that embodies the world of professional wrestling more than Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle. Angle entered into the WWE (then World Wrestling Federation) with a decorated amateur background in professional wrestling in high school, Clarion University of Pennsylavnia, and being a two-time gold medalist, once in the World Wrestling Championships, and went further to wrestle in the 1996 Summer Olympics, suffering a neck injury with two fractured vertebrae and still winning the Gold medal.

Kurt Angle first experienced the world of wrestling entertainment as a guest commentator for Extreme Championship Wrestling in 1996. Being of an amateur background and well known already as an Olympic wrestler, Shane Douglas invited Angle to attend ECW's High Incident, but was highly shocked by the controversial ending to the Sandman's barbed wire "crucifixion" by ECW wrestler Raven.

Two years later, Kurt Angle went to sign on the WWE (then the World Wrestling Federation), marking his first match victory in April against Jerry Lawler's son, Brian Christopher, among several more throughout his tenure of the WWF/E. Kurt Angle made his mark as a new face and taking on the likes of Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Undertaker, and even the Rock for multiple championships throughout his career in the WWE.

Angle then went on, after his run as the "Wrestling Machine" in the newly formed "WWECW", to ask for his release from the WWE. Being such a workhouse as he was, Angle asked for his release as he was working hurt, sometimes at a severe limit. Angle also left to free up some payroll within the WWE being at the top of the budget list as top talent. Kurt had signed a deal with WWE's direct competition, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling to limit his time in the ring and allow him to re-cooperate with a limited schedule. Since being with TNA in 2006, Kurt Angle has accomplished quite a bit, even becoming the WWE's fifth Grand Slam champion, the WWE's tenth Triple Crown champion, and TNA's second Triple Crown Champion.

But after all this, after everything that Kurt Angle has done, what more can one do with being so decorated? TNA is Kurt's current home, but should Kurt return to the WWE for one last run? This writer honestly believes that Kurt Angle could have one last successful run within the WWE, being appropriately paid, and make a showcase of his return. I believe that Kurt Angle is one of, if not the best versatile wrestlers in the business, and can continue to being so for quite some time. Returning to the WWE and giving the level of experience to the young wrestlers of today would really benefit both Angle and whoever he is working with, and give the newer generation the "Olympic" rub and shoot their star higher into main-event status. As it stands, there are several wrestlers who have been adapted one way or another, and there is one in particular that stands out in my mind--the "All-American American," Jack Swagger.

Jack Swagger has been seemingly been modeled after Angle and the "American" status quo.
Courtesy of the WWE

Swagger returning on his victory
against Kofi Kingston.
Courtesy of WWE

Swagger himself mirrors Angle's own beginning college amateur wrestling career, along with being a defensive tackle for the University of Oklahoma. Being the Head of Talent Relations at the time, and a fellow supporter of the Sooners, Jim Ross contacted Swagger and offered him a contract as the All-American. Swagger then adapted the use of Angle's ankle lock, branding it as his own "Patriot Act". Similarities between Swagger and Angle would eventually lead to an established college wrestling background, branded as an "American" Hero, and down to the ankle lock. When one really thinks down to the wire, the subject brings to mind, if Kurt Angle is not returning to the WWE, are they packaging Swagger as a tuned-down version of Angle? There isn't any ability to overcome lisps and weak promo spots, but if used with efficiency, Swagger could very well be the next "American Hero".

With Swagger re-emerging on SmackDown not even five days ago, he demanded to have a spot in the Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View, and subsequently defeated Kofi Kingston. At this point in Swagger's career, an Elimination Chamber spot for the World Heavyweight Title, or even a face turn for the United States Championship against Antonio Cesaro. Who knows what will happen, but needless to say, with slight tweaking to his character, Swagger can be the new generation's Kurt Angle.

Only time will tell.