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

WWE champion Triple H vs. Randy Orton (last man standing match): It has been reported that Orton is listed as WWE champion in advertising for the Night of Champions pay-per-view in four weeks that has leaked out. The thing about WWE booking, though, is that plans change all the time – sometimes even on the day of the show – so I’m still going with Triple H to retain. It would bring the Triple H-Orton feud full circle, as Orton defeated Triple H for the title in a last man standing match in October.

Edge vs. The Undertaker for the vacant world heavyweight title (TLC match): I thought Edge was getting the title back at Judgment Day, but that didn’t happen and now I’m going to be a flip-flopper. When it was announced that Undertaker would have to leave WWE if he lost – and it was stressed that the stipulation meant WWE, not just Smackdown – I think it gave away the finish. Of course, no one really takes loser-leaves stipulations seriously, but I don’t think Undertaker is going to lose in what should be the climax to the program. With the tables, ladders and chairs gimmick, this match could very well steal the show.

Batista vs. Shawn Michaels (stretcher match): Stretcher matches have never been my favorite, but Michaels will likely make it as good as a stretcher match can be. Since Michaels won their first encounter at Backlash, I think this is Batista’s turn to go over. Chris Jericho, the other wrestler in this three-man angle, is not booked for a match on this show. Is this the night he finally turns heel? I could see Jericho costing Michaels the match and Batista not realizing what happened.

John Cena vs. JBL (first blood match): I like JBL in this one, especially because Cena can take the loss here without having to get pinned. A victory by JBL would set him up to face Triple H at Night of Champions.

Jeff Hardy vs. Umaga (falls count anywhere match): These two work pretty well together, so I’m expecting a good match. Hardy will win because he needs to be kept strong if WWE plans on getting him back in the title picture.

Big Show vs. Tommy Dreamer vs. Chavo Guerrero vs. John Morrison vs. CM Punk (Singapore cane match): The winner of this match will face Kane for the ECW title at Night of Champions. Dreamer has no shot, and we’ve already seen Kane-Guerrero too many times. Morrison would be a nice surprise, but I don’t see it happening. That leaves Big Show and Punk. I’ve given up trying to figure out how Punk is being booked, and Show almost looks too obvious. Oh well, I’ll go with obvious and pick Show.

Melina vs. Beth Phoenix (I quit match): There’s no way Phoenix is losing this match.