Predictions for tonight’s WWE pay-per-view:

World heavyweight champion Batista vs. Edge vs. The Undertaker: WWE is obviously building toward a one-on-one feud between Edge and The Undertaker. Therefore, I expect Edge to emerge with the title, Batista to do the job and Undertaker to come out looking like the uncrowned champion.

WWE champion Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho: I’ve been a Jericho mark for years but it just doesn’t feel like the right time to put the belt on him. Look for Jericho to get a lot of near falls before Orton eventually prevails.

Jeff Hardy vs. Triple H: This is the biggest match of Hardy’s career. He is more over than he has ever been, and a win here surely would catapult him into WWE’s top tier. The conventional thinking, however, is that Triple H wins and then defeats Orton for the title at Royal Rumble. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking, but I’m going the other way. I think Hardy will win, but it will be in a way that makes Triple H look strong in defeat.

Mr. Kennedy vs. Shawn Michaels: I know that a lot of wrestling fans and pundits think that Kennedy should go over here, but I disagree. It’s true that a win over Michaels is an effective tool in elevating a wrestler to the next level, but if Michaels loses frequently, then defeating him doesn’t mean as much. Michaels losing to Orton at Survivor Series last month was the right thing to do. Having him lose on consecutive pay-per-views is not. I expect Kennedy to come very close, but for Michaels to pull out the victory. I also could see a non-conclusive finish and a rematch at Royal Rumble.

U.S. champion MVP vs. Rey Mysterio: I can’t see MVP losing the title before Matt Hardy comes back. It’s possible that Mysterio could win the match but not the title, but I think it makes more sense for MVP to win.

CM Punk and Kane vs. Big Daddy V and Mark Henry: All I can say about this match is that I can’t wait until the Punk-Shelton Benjamin program begins. I’ll go with Punk and Kane.

Finlay vs. The Great Khali: If there is the slightest chance of a Hulk Hogan-Khali match at WrestleMania 24, then Khali has to be kept strong. I think Khali will go after Hornswoggle, prompting Finlay to attack Khali with the shillelagh and get disqualified.

WWE women’s champion Beth Phoenix vs. Mickie James: Phoenix wins clean, as this match is just filling time until Candice Michelle returns and challenges for the title.