Backlash preview
Predictions for tonight’s WWE pay-per-view, which I will be attending at 1st Mariner Arena:
WWE champion Randy Orton vs. John Cena vs. JBL vs. Triple H: It’s just a matter of time before Triple H gets the title back. I was shocked that it didn’t happen at WrestleMania, and I think tonight will be his night. The only other scenario I can envision is Orton somehow escaping with the title again, and then facing Triple H in a one-on-one match next month at the Judgment Day pay-per-view. I don’t see JBL winning and I don’t think the time is right to put the belt back on Cena.
World heavyweight champion The Undertaker vs. Edge: I don’t think Edge is going to regain the title, but I also don’t believe The Undertaker is going over clean. I’m expecting either a no-decision or Edge to win by disqualification or countout. This feud will likely continue with some sort of gimmick match at Judgment Day.
Batista vs. Shawn Michaels: This match that has been built up better than any on the card. Special referee Chris Jericho is the wild card here (I wish Jericho was wrestling on the show, and CM Punk, too). In recent weeks, he has been laid out by both Michaels and Batista. I still think Jericho is turning on Michaels and costing him the match to set up a program between the two. There also is the possibility of a Batista heel turn.
The Big Show vs. The Great Khali: This one could be ugly, and I’m not talking about the physical appearance of the participants. I would be very surprised if Big Show doesn’t win clean, especially because it has been reported that Khali is heading home to India for a while after this match.
ECW champion Kane vs. Chavo Guerrero: I have a hunch that Guerrero will regain the title due to outside interference from the Edgeheads and Bam Neely.
U.S. champion MVP vs. Matt Hardy: If these two are given enough time, this has potential to be a very good match. I think Hardy has to get the title at some point, but not yet. Look for Hardy to somehow get screwed and for MVP to escape with his title, setting up the inevitable rematch.
Mickie James, Michelle McCool, Maria, Kelly Kelly, Cherry and Ashley vs. Beth Phoenix, Natalya, Melina, Victoria, Jillian Hall and Layla: I’m going with the heels on this one, with either Phoenix or Natalya scoring the pin on James to set up a title program.
Comments
Eck-could you explain your thoughts behind a Batista heel turn? While I agree the pool of heels is wearing pretty thin at Smackdown, I don't think there's a smart way to set up Batista tonight at the PPV. The only thing I could envision is Michaels going over clean, then Batista attacking him after the bell. But then where does Batista go from there? Would they drag out the feud with Michaels a bit more? And how would Jericho play smartly into any of that? I'm betting that Jericho destroys both of them after the bell, setting up Jericho for some sort of interbrand ping-pong until Summerslam. Anyway, just curious on how you see the Batista turn going-down
Posted by: Dennis | April 27, 2008 3:15 PM
Maybe I'll see you there, Kevin! I won 1st row seats in section 6 from 98 Rock. I'm looking forward to the show!
Posted by: Kevin in Columbia | April 27, 2008 4:32 PM
almost a clean sweep
Posted by: WHOLETRUTHY | April 27, 2008 11:01 PM
well you were right about HHH- congrats to him, even though anyone could see this coming since before WM XXIV.
Matt Hardy the NEW US Champ!!!!!
Since i don't order PPV matches, i have no idea how the ones between taker/edge and chavo/kane went about- i think they would be pretty clean, as much as can be expected with Edge and Chavo competing againts Taker and Kane respectively but... Congrats to the BoD are in order
Oh yes, congrats to Shawn Michaels!
Posted by: kristen | April 27, 2008 11:37 PM
i love shawn michaels and i support him 100% on taking up the challenge given to him by ric flair.. i think batista is just jealous he didn't get the offer, so he's got some issues. LOVE YOU WWE FANS...
Posted by: loraine jaskaran | April 28, 2008 12:47 PM