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!!

A Paul Bearer Tribute

Willim Alvin Moody (April 10, 1954 - March 5, 2013)

William Moody was quite possibly one of the best managers in the WWE ever since its inception. Better known as Paul Bearer (pun off pallbearer off of his mortuary gig he undertook as a degree in mortuary science and as a funeral director), and Percy Pringle III, Moody took under his wing multiple superstars in his twenty year-plus tenure,  some of which that have gone on and main-evented in the WWE, such as Rick Rude, Stone Cold Steve Austin (as Stunning Steve), Kane, and of course, The Undertaker. With all this said, Moody leaves behind a legacy that no one else can fulfill. Ohhh yeahhhh!!

Moody became famous after he took his Percy Pringle character and ran with his funeral parlor gimmick, inspired by his own interests for mortuary sciences, ultimately becoming Paul Bearer. Bearer was seen always carrying an urn, which developed an eerie gimmick of Bearer carrying the Undertaker's ashes, or soul, and even led to many storylines of Bearer having his urn taken away for some reason or another.

Some of Paul Bearer's best alliances were the back-and-forth between the Undertaker and Kane. Introducing Kane as Taker's half-brother as a hidden secret between himself and the Undertaker was the beginning of the Brothers of Destruction, and both Undertaker and Kane have demolished the foundation of the WWE many times over the past twenty years.

The Undertaker walks into Wrestlemania against CM Punk in a month's time. One can only wonder that Bearer be in the Dead Man's corner in sprit.

Paul Bearer

The Wrestling Specator sends their deepest condolences to the Moody Family. You will be missed.

Elimination Chamber Breakdown

Elimination Chamber Breakdown

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

The Rock (C) VS CM Punk
Courtesy of WWE

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

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


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

Kaitlyn (C) VS Tamina
Courtesy of WWE

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

Antonio Cesaro VS The Miz
Courtesy of WWE

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

TWS Prediction: I'm feeling Antonio Cesaro retains. 


The Shield VS John Cena/Ryback/Sheamus

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

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

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

TWS Prediction: The Shield pulls off a major upset.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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