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

World heavyweight champion Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels in a ladder match: This could be a classic. Before all is said and done, I do think Michaels will get another brief run with the title, but Jericho has been too good as champion to take the belt off of him at this point. By some nefarious means (perhaps outside interference from Lance Cade), Jericho will escape with the title.

WWE champion Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy: Based on what has been happening on Smackdown, one certainly would expect Vladimir Kozlov to get involved in some fashion. I think Hardy will win the title eventually, but it won’t be tonight. Kozlov will interfere, setting up a triple threat match.

The Big Show vs. The Undertaker: I don’t believe Undertaker is losing here, but I don’t expect him to go over decisively either. I’m guessing there is some kind of non-finish, maybe a double disqualification, to keep the program going.

Batista vs. JBL: This match is to determine the No. 1 contender for the world heavyweight title. I think Batista will win and go on to face Jericho for the belt.

ECW champion Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry: This could go either way. I could see Henry regaining the title, thus setting up a rematch, or Hardy doing what he didn’t do last month in the Championship Scramble – defeat Henry. I’m going with the latter. I think Henry will dominate the match but Hardy will get the win out of nowhere.

Kane vs. Rey Mysterio: The stipulation is that if Mysterio loses he must unmask. That guarantees a Mysterio victory. There is no way WWE is going to make the same mistake that WCW did by taking the mask off Mysterio. Mysterio without the mask just isn’t Mysterio. Not only that, but have you ever noticed how many kids there are in the audience wearing Mysterio masks?

WWE women’s champion Beth Phoenix vs. Candice Michelle: I can envision a scenario in which Santino Marella’s interference backfires and costs Phoenix the title, but I think it’s too soon in their relationship for that to happen. Michelle has looked a bit rusty since coming back and Mickie James has overtaken her in terms of popularity, so I think Phoenix will retain the title.