Cena vs. Batista? Not so fast
At the conclusion of Raw last night, John Cena inadvertently punched Batista, which led to an exchange of blows before they were pulled apart.
Could that physical confrontation be setting up a match between the two WWE superstars at SummerSlam next month? It’s possible, but I have a hard time believing that is the case.
There has been speculation that the long-term plan was for Cena versus Batista to headline WrestleMania XXIV this past March, but Cena’s injury necessitated a change in direction. And when Batista was drafted to Raw last month, the move immediately sparked talk of a match between the two at next year’s WrestleMania.
A Cena-Batista match on the biggest show of the year makes sense because it’s one of the few marquee match-ups in WWE that hasn’t been done. That’s why I can’t see WWE giving that match away this early in Batista’s move to Raw. Then again, I didn’t think the Triple H-Edge match would happen as fast as it did.
If last night’s pull-apart was just a tease and WWE is indeed planning to hold off the inevitable match until WrestleMania, the challenge will be in keeping them apart for the next eight months.
The other intriguing aspect of a Cena-Batista match is the question of whether it would be a babyface versus babyface match or if one of them would turn heel. The conventional thinking seems to be that Batista eventually will turn – and he has looked a bit heelish as of late – but I still think a Cena turn would be a big shot in the arm for business in WWE. The crowds have been behind Cena as of late, which means it’s the perfect time to turn him.
One thing for certain about Cena and Batista coming to blows last night is that WWE again came up with an ending that no one saw coming.
Other thoughts on last night’s show:
The curious booking of CM Punk’s world heavyweight title reign continues. In a title rematch from The Great American Bash against Batista last night, Punk either gained or lost credibility, depending on how you look at it. On the one hand, he dominated the match, but Batista was weakened by a chokeslam from Kane immediately before the match began. Batista eventually rallied and the announcers again put over how he was about to defeat Punk.
I wouldn’t say WWE is totally burying Punk, because he isn’t backing down from anyone and he is holding his own against bigger (in size and status) opponents. And the bottom line is that he is still the champion. If I had to guess where this is headed, I’d say that Punk will keep retaining the title on flukes before eventually scoring a clean win over a top star. The question is whether the fans will already have given up on him by that point. …
It looks as if Chris Jericho no longer has to worry about fans cheering for him as a heel. His brutal attack on Shawn Michaels at the Bash struck a nerve, and he followed it up with an excellent promo last night that got him a lot of heat from the crowd. I really liked the part where he talked about returning to WWE and not being embraced by the fans. That’s actually somewhat true, as it seemed like fans were happy to see him come back, but perhaps not as much as he and WWE had hoped. …
Speaking of good promos, Punk has shown that he can do them, which begs the following question: Why didn’t he get more opportunities to talk before now? …
Batista has been booked very well over the past few months. He’s become a Triple H-type babyface – a fan favorite who is obsessed with being the best and isn’t interested in making friends. Somewhere along the way, Batista had become too much of a traditional babyface (remember the lovefest between him and Rey Mysterio?), which made him a less interesting character. …
It was nice that JBL limped to the ring and Cena had his elbow bandaged, but I think they should have done even more to sell their injuries from Sunday’s parking lot brawl. I won’t bother asking how Cena didn’t even get an abrasion after being “grazed” by a speeding car last week. …
It’s great that WWE is trying to give Ted DiBiase Jr., Cody Rhodes and Cryme Tyme a rub by having them involved in the JBL-Cena feud. However, having Cena do a double FU to finish off DiBiase and Rhodes isn’t doing them any favors. …
I don’t know what to say about the Santino Marella-Beth Phoenix liplock, but I’m betting that wherever this angle is going, it will be entertaining. It will be even better if it leads to Marella winning some matches. …
It’s hard to get overly excited about the return of D-Lo Brown, but I always thought he was a decent mid-carder. …
Hacksaw Jim Duggan is a heck of a nice guy, but I personally don’t care to see him wrestle anymore. Judging by the crowd reaction when he said he was thinking about hanging it up, however, I must be in the minority. …
It looks like Jerry Lawler is going to team with Duggan to face DiBiase and Rhodes. I’d rather see Lawler in the role than Hardcore Holly, but it still bothers me from a continuity standpoint that Holly has not sought revenge for Rhodes turning on him. …
Paul Burchill really needed that pinfall victory over Kofi Kingston, even if it did occur in a tag team match. …
Kelly Kelly had a good match with Phoenix and continues to get better in the ring. She is well on her way to becoming WWE’s “it girl.” Actually, she may already be there.
Comments
Cena vs Batista is good for a couple of reasons - it both gives them a big match while keeping them away from the belt for a while. Time is needed for some new stars.
Overall the bash was good but... Without meaning to sound sexist, but it baffles me that the womens match can be on a PPV while Jeff Hardy, Kennedy, Umaga and MVP aren't even on the card. Throw in the fact that Hornswaggle and the Miz were wrestling, and it is a bit of a head scratcher to leave these guys out. Throw in the fact that the newly crowned intercontinental champ isn't there, it continues to devalue that belt. I'm still a big fan, but I don't know what they were smoking at WWE headquarters when they all said, "Let's bury the IC, US and tag team belts. While we're at it, let's stop all mid card fueds and stories."
On that note, making someone a so called "jobber to the stars" (like they have done with Kane and Umaga - until recently) doesn't make sense. They give no credibility to the winner and nobody cares when they beat a nobody. I hope WWE never makes anyone a "jobber to the stars" again. It makes much more sense to have everyone win some and lose some.
And on a final note, I hope we don't have anymore title reigns lasting longer than 6 - 9 months. We don't need another Cena or Hulk Hogan who is unbeatable.
Posted by: Rob | July 22, 2008 4:45 AM
Well, Not much to shine on Raw tonight except the promise of a Batista and Cena fued. BTW, I totally called the kiss way before it happened when my friends and I gathered around the tv tonight. As soon as she came in the ring I said "she's gonna kiss him". It could be good.
Posted by: Mr. Bronson | July 22, 2008 4:48 AM
I agree with you that a Cena turn in a Wrestlemania match between face Batista and face Cena would give new life to the WWE. It certainly would be reminiscent of Stone Cold's turn at Wrestlemania 17. A good reasoning for his turn would be the fact that ever since his return he has failed time and time again to recapture the title coupled with half the crowd booing him most of the time so he decides to win dirty. I really do think it would be best for Cena not to hold the title until Wrestlemania but then again an eight month drought is a long time I guess.
IMO, CM Punk neither gained nor lost credibility in his match against Batista since he was dominating like he was supposed to against a half conscious person.
By the way, what do you make of Jericho's claim that Michaels eye is career ending?
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I think Jericho's claim is an angle and Micheals will be back with a vengeance.
Posted by: Michael | July 22, 2008 4:55 AM
I heard Hardcore Holly was sent home for having some kind of backstage altercation. He was almost fired from what I understand. That should explain why he hasn't been on TV/sought revenge.
Kelly yells the ENTIRE match. That has potential to get over huge with the fans. If they start yelling with her, there's no stopping Kelly Kelly.
Posted by: Mark K | July 22, 2008 8:18 AM
Poor D'Lo...he was really searching for a big pop. That one crowd shot where that one guy was tapping his buddy on the shoulder, trying to get him to stand up and cheer for D'Lo was pretty amusing, though.
It really felt like Cole and Lawler were really searching to call the Punk match. Just seems like they, along with the booking, are a bit muddle in how they are trying to put over Punk (if at all).
Posted by: JTK | July 22, 2008 8:33 AM
Kev, I read on the SLIGHTLY unreliable wikipedia that Holly is taking time off for 'personal reasons' so perhaps that's why he's not back to seek out revenge? Maybe he will when he returns out of nowhere, or just be forgotten about like so many other angles...
Posted by: G | July 22, 2008 8:51 AM
it is kind of funny that CM Punk keeps cutting promos to say he wants to prove he isn't a "fluke" champion, but then proceeds to go out and have a match that suggests just that. Having Kane assault Batista before the match took away any chance Punk would be able to claim a clean victory over Batista even if he did pin him. The fact that they started and ended the match with outside interference suggests they just don't have faith that Punk is capable of credibly beating someone like Batista without help. Sadly, if they would just let him do that, I think the crowd would readily accept it.
And I truly do hope that Cryme Tyme and not Lawler/Duggan turn out to be DiBiase/Rhodes Summerslam opponents. It really would've been rough if Duggan had decided to retire...I would've missed those 2-3 matches a year I saw him wrestle.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I think Duggan/Lawler vs. DiBiase/Rhodes might be a TV match to lead up to Cryme Tyme getting a shot at SummerSlam.
Posted by: Glen | July 22, 2008 9:10 AM
I'm thinking that what we saw last night might be leading to Saturday Night's Main Event. There are a lot of guys who want a shot at the title at SummerSlam, so I am imagining some kind of match at SNME to crown the number one contender. Batista, JBL, Cena, Kane, maybe even Jericho if Michaels is out for now. Do you think WWE would put an Elimination Chamber match on network TV?
I was kind of surprised we didn't hear from the McMahons or see William Regal. I was convinced he was going to turn out the lights on the title match and announce his return.
Another SNME idea, how about Rhodes and DiBiase VS Duggan and Lawler with special guest referee Bob Holly. Holly would make a good "yeah, we have beef, but I'm still going to call it straight up and then get my revenge afterwards" kind of guy.
The Santino/Phoenix thing was weird but they both did a good job. And I agree, hopefully this will light the proverbial fire under Marella and lead to some wins.
Posted by: Charles | July 22, 2008 9:17 AM
You know just when I thought it was safe to watch RAW for a while. Vince makes a return via a Gillette Razor Blade Commercial. It was pretty funny, but I have a strong feeling we haven't seen the last of it.
Good show, I don't feel bad at all for Santino Marella he's had a good year. He's had Maria on his arm, made some money, had girls beat him up, lost the IC Title and now has Beth Phoenix chasing him. Umm, there could be worse than Beth, lol.
Duggan has seen his best days and it bothers me though that they would use his and Lawlers career for a jumping off point for Little DiB's and Rhodes.
No doubt on Cena/Batista, we probably have a few Months of mis-communication for these guys before they actually get it on 1-on-1. I'm sure there will be some tag team bouts, fatal 4-Ways and maybe Batista or Cena actually takes the Belt from Punk before Wrestlemania so they'll have even more to fight over then.
Posted by: Rob | July 22, 2008 9:33 AM
Kevin,
I give you that Kelly Kelly's wrestling has imrproved, but she still has a ways to go before I see her as anything other than a pretty face. WWE really seems to enjoy this relationship they have with Playboy and I see the promotion of Kelly Kelly as nothing more than prepping her for her inevitable Playboy photo shoot. They did it for Maria. They did it for Ashley. This is no different. Mark my words. She is not a real wrestler. She is the next girl Vince pimps out to Hugh Hefner
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: It's no secret that she is in line to be WWE's next Playboy cover girl. And you're right about her in the ring -- she's not there yet. But she has a chance to get there, and I would have never thought that possible.
Posted by: Lee | July 22, 2008 11:10 AM
Who knows if this is correct, but I did read somewhere a week or two ago that Holly was sent home for inappropriate behavior behind the scenes. That may well just be rumor though.
In other notes, I continue to be on the edge of my seat and constantly analyzing the angle between Shawn and Jericho. Those two have amazing chemistry.
I have only one wish for SummerSlam - a clean win for CM Punk. It was somewhat annoying that the BRILLIANT promo he cut after last week's Raw was a Mobile Exclusive until the Bash, but at least we got to see it during the PPV.
I'm sort of done with JBL. He shouldn't have come back when he did, particularly if his injuries are responsible for the lackluster performances he's put on as of late. I've seen JBL in his earlier days as agile, powerful, and fun to watch. He is not that right now. (Though if he takes the pin to give CM Punk a clean win, I might forgive him all that.)
For the most part, I like Batista. When he isn't phoning it in. Which, to his credit, he has been displaying tremendous effort as of late. However, at some point, he needs to return the favor that Trips gave him in '05. Hunter took three major and clean pins to elevate Batista. Those losses did not damage Hunter and I don't think similar losses would damage Batista. It's time for him to give back, and I don't think that there is anyone currently on the Raw roster that is more deserving than Punk.
Posted by: Mina | July 22, 2008 11:28 AM
I just knew they weren't going to be able to resist giving away Batista-Cena too early.
I think Jericho-HBK need to have a hell in a cell match at Summer Slam.
Can they just get on with the stupid Kane storyline already? Whenever WWE does shocking mysteries, they wait way too long to reveal whats going on and by that time the story is completely stale.
God forbid John Cena ever sell an injury.
Posted by: Elevation | July 22, 2008 11:31 AM
Just a thought on the possibility of Batista turning heel. If last night's Batista-Cena showdown was tease for WM XXV and if the plan is for Batista to turn heel I cannot help but think Melina will somehow be in the mix. After all, Melina is Batista's real life girlfriend. She is recuperating from an ankle injury and would probably return early in 2009 just in time to get into the WM XXV mix. While I thought her face turn was long overdue and would have liked to see it develop better I must admit she works better as a heel. So I could see Melina making a return at the Royal Rumble and interfering on Batista's behalf against Cena thus turning him a full fledged heel and hence building up towards WM XXV. Of course, I realize there are hundreds of other ways this could turn out but I just cannot help but think Melina and Batista will be utilized in a storyline once she comes back from her ankle injury.
Posted by: Aaron Goldstein | July 22, 2008 12:09 PM
A lackluster Raw if you ask me. Nothing all that special or interesting. When Lawler asked Duggan if he really wanted to retire, I was kind of hoping for Jim to let lose a big long NOOOOOO! Foley needs to teach Duggan about the whole "cheap pop" philosophy.
I'm probably the only one not interested in Batista at all (always worked friday nights, so rarely saw smackdown). Isnt it getting near to a return of Orton yet?
As much as I LIKE the Michaels/Jericho feud, I wish they would just ease off the whole religous undertones of the thing. Its annoying and out of place.
Posted by: David | July 22, 2008 1:02 PM
The announcers talk as if Cade was HBK's protege up until he aligned with Jericho. I guess we are supposed to forget that Cade has been a heel for years and that DX feuded with Cade and Trevor Murdoch.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: As Vince Russo used to tell me, "That never happened. Wrestling fans don't remember."
Posted by: Christopher | July 22, 2008 1:46 PM
Kev -do you not think the main reason Jericho's return was not as favourable is hoped is because it took too long and we all knew it was him? Even those who don't read forums, just occasional watchers knew. To me it was like can you not come back already - it wasn't new or fresh like his first entrance. This is why the Kane angle needs to be sorted soon too.
Punk for me is getting over fine in the ring, it is the commentary that isn't helping. Punk needs a clean win against a bigger, credible opponent soon. I am not sure if he is the right man to be in one of the main events in Summerslam, but I hope WWE makes us back him. Currently they are not doing enough.
Could not agree with you more about Cena vs Batista it would be a great Wrestlemania main event, though I disagree with you about Burchill - Kingston and the IC belt needs to gain credibility, even if it was a tag match. As do the Tag Champs - fighting Duggan and Lawler and beating them, although gets over the young bucks, second gen etc against the olders, doesn't make them look that strong, and both being FU'd just proves this more. WWE needs to concentreate more time on tag team and mid card action - perhaps that is why D-Lo is back - I am joking.
Kelly Kelly is awesome. Better than Maryse
Posted by: Wayne | July 22, 2008 2:24 PM
I hear at the next msg show it will be a cena vs batista match and a punk vs jbl for the belt if that the case that card sounds loaded I would love to make the trip from Md to NY to catch that show see in as the msg card is a house show I also wish that I would have been able to make the smackdown and ecw show tonight as well.
Posted by: Ritz | July 22, 2008 3:08 PM
Thoughts Kevin on Kaz getting his release from TNA? PWInsider thinks it's a work. What say you?
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: The fact that they are hyping it for TV tells me it's a work. Plus, Vince Russo has always loved doing worked shoots.
Posted by: eric | July 22, 2008 4:02 PM
Punk is still champ so I'm happy. 'Nuff said.
Posted by: Dre | July 22, 2008 4:10 PM
Give CM a deadly submission hold that he can hit from nowhere, have him debut it in a title defense for his first clean win. With the right sell from opponent and commentators (the opponent having no strategy to deal with it) this could really help to get him over.
If it wasn't for CM and Y2J, I really would be struggling to keep my eyes open on Raw at the moment.
Posted by: Amos | July 22, 2008 5:04 PM
Kev -
If you want TPTB to hold off on the Cena/Batista Feud until Wrestlemania, where would you suggest they go next? Does Cena continue his feud with JBL, or does he move on to someone else.
Obviously Batista has a ready made angle with Kane, as well as nice rivalry with C.M. Punk.
Also - Is it me, or is Raw becoming the show ECW should have been, when Vince decided to bring it back?
You see all the out of control antics, and the inmates running the asylum. If you ask me, that is how ECW SHOULD have been written. Just my opinion
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I still think there is one big gimmick match left in the Cena-JBL feud because JBL won the last match. If Cena remains a babyface, between now and WrestleMania he has plenty of potential opponents: Punk, Jericho, Orton. Kane and possibly even Regal.
Posted by: B.Vic | July 22, 2008 5:32 PM
I'm not sure anyone should say that WWE is totally burying CM Punk right now. His "rocky" introduction into the main event picture could just be a way to ween fans off of months of watching him lose to Chavo Guerrero, John Morrison, and other mid-carders who should be out of his league now .... yea right, if only WWE were that consistent and calculated.
Posted by: Kay | July 22, 2008 7:56 PM
"God forbid John Cena ever sell an injury."
It seems to me that Cena pretty much wrestled the entire match with one arm. Besides, while JBL did limp into the ring, once the match started he looked completely healthy.
I seem to notice people complaining about story lines dragging on too long. On the other hand, there are people complain when two guys wrestle each other too much. Well, if you have short story lines, you will see wrestlers going through the competition quickly and will start to repeat feuds. You really can't have short story lines and no repeating of feuds.
Posted by: Bob | July 22, 2008 11:21 PM
Posing for Playboy is actually an anti-push as Maria and Ashley lost their respective Wrestlemania matches on their posing year.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I think it depends on the individual. Candice Michelle ended up becoming women's champion. Maria and Ashley were only on the card in the first place because they were in Playboy.
Posted by: Mr. Bronson | July 23, 2008 2:56 AM
i think that John Cena just needs to but out of it so Batista can carry on with his wwe career. Although John Cena does have a point I am a huge Batista fan so i am really only taking his side.
Posted by: Corbin | July 23, 2008 3:51 AM
Heyy!! I am so into RAW.. i mite be a girl.. but i dont care! John cena, and tista are my favourite wrestlers, out of the whole wwe experience! I heard a guy in my class talking about cena, and now I LOVE him!! Check out his new movie, the marine! Is he thinking about coming to australia? I want him to!! CAN YOUS ASK!! pleaz!! Oh, and by the way, dont make them fight, make BATISTA and KANE have a fight, and who wins, should be batista!! lol.. haha.. PLEAZE say hi to cena.. hes my legend!!
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Not sure , but don't think WWE is coming to Australia any time soon.
Posted by: Jazmin | July 23, 2008 3:51 AM
This is my thought about a Cena v. Batista angle. I see Cena and Dave in the same mold. Two guys that get over by hulking up late in their matches, no matter how badly they have been beaten up. This is the style that Hulk Hogan was loved for...then hated for. Even though one of the biggest matches of all time (Hogan v U Warrior) had the same kind of dynamic, the fans were different back in those days. A huge number of fans these days resent being treated as sheep and told essentially by the promotion who the white hats will be. This is wrestling's "counter-culture," and they hate Dave and Cena, but somehow magically NOT the Undertaker (whose ship has long since sailed in my book.)
To have this match without some sort of gimmick change for one is rediculous...Some fans won't know who to pull for, the rest won't know who to pull AGAINST.
Posted by: Lee | July 23, 2008 11:26 AM
hi Nadz!Dont let the animal n cena fight as yet until they lose the tag team belt. these guys make the show tasty, when they do fight let cena win first n then have a return match n let the animal win just like the animal n shawn match the other day. trust mi it would be good for the organization n entertaining for us also. try it or please think about it. thank u.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 8, 2008 6:15 PM