Armageddon preview
Predictions for tonight’s WWE pay-per-view:
World heavyweight champion John Cena vs. Chris Jericho: There’s no way WWE is taking the belt off Cena this soon. It’s possible that Cena could win clean again like he did at Survivor Series, but I think it’s more likely that the finish leads to another match between these two at the Royal Rumble next month.
WWE champion Edge vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Triple H: Is this the night that Hardy finally wins the gold? I wouldn’t rule it out, but I’m guessing it’s not. I think Hardy and Triple H will be so intent on destroying each other that Edge – the ultimate opportunist – manages to weasel his way to another victory.
Batista vs. Randy Orton: This one could go either way. There is a buzz surrounding Orton as of late, so I’m picking him to win, most likely due to outside interference from The Legacy. I haven’t heard if Ted DiBiase Jr. is ready to return, but if he is, I could see him teasing a babyface turn (remember, Orton kicked him in the head and gave him a concussion) before ultimately attacking Batista.
ECW champion Matt Hardy vs. Vladimir Kozlov (non-title): Since the title isn’t on the line and Kozlov needs a pay-per-view win, I’m going with the “Moscow Mauler.”
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk: This is the final of the tournament to determine the No. 1contender for William Regal’s Intercontinental title. It seemed right from the start of the tournament that WWE was building to a Regal-Punk match, so unless that was a swerve, Punk will win. This could be a real good match.
Finlay vs. Mark Henry in a Belfast Brawl: It’s hard not to go with Finlay in his specialty match, but Henry needs the win to maintain his monster heel aura, and he’ll get it.
Michelle McCool, Mickie James, Maria and Kelly Kelly vs. Maryse, Natalya, Victoria and Jillian Hall: What is McCool still doing on the babyface team? I thought she had already turned, but perhaps it becomes official tonight. The dissension between McCool and Maria will end up costing their side the match.
Comments
I quite agree with you Kev on all your predictions. Its just that I have this weird and wild idea about John Cena vs. Jericho.I wouldn't mind Cena walking out of Armageddon as champion. But it would be great if "double-turn" takes place at armageddon.I want it to be something like Jericho refusing to tap out to STFU. And even after the match Cena beats Jericho or maybe bust him open.Then on next few weeks, just imagine, Jericho being chased by security gaurds and is banned from WWE. But Jericho makes it a point to take his revenge and keeps on attacking Cena while coming out of crowd or something and is again chased away by security gaurds.Much like what they did with that memorable fued between Bret and Austin. That would definitely spice things up in RAW. What do you think Kev?
Posted by: Kunal | December 14, 2008 12:24 PM
You probably saw that Miz and Morrison won the Tag Titles off of Kofi Kingston at a live event last night. Two questions for you:
1 - What is your opinion of title changes at house shows? Do you think it devalues the title at all or is it good to keep things unpredictable. I remember they did this about ten years ago when Edge won the Intercontinental Title from Jeff Jarrett the night before a PPV. They've probably done it since then too.
2 - Do you have a problem with ECW guys just showing up on whatever show they want? It makes for more variety, but it also seems like lazy booking to an extent. Guys like Matt Hardy and Chavo are regulars on Smackdown while Miz, Morrison, Finlay and Evan Bourne are on Raw as much as ECW.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: 1. I like house show title changes on occasion. It might get more fans if they think there is at least a chance of something significant happening. 2. I like the idea of using all the talent rather than spreading it over three brands, but it does make the concept of separate brands kind of pointless.
Posted by: Rob | December 14, 2008 12:34 PM
I do'nt know Kevin something is teling me that jerico is Going to beat Cena tonight
P.S. I hope not
Posted by: Anonymous | December 14, 2008 1:36 PM
Hi Kevin --- I agree with you 100% on your call for Armageddon tonight. While I'd definitely like the results to be different, I agree with you. I'm okay with Cena over Jericho. The match I'd love to see turn out different than we both know it will is the Triple H/Hardy/Edge match --- the only one I'm interested in --- I'm going to the First Mariner Arena Tuesday night and I'd love to see Triple H with the belt around his waist, or at least Jeff Hardy --- but I have to agree those two will be more intent on each other tonight and Edge will "steal another" match. What a shame since I like both of them, and can't stand Edge, but I know he'll steal it.
The other match is I'd really like Batista to beat Orton, but I agree with your call on that one and possible interference.
Oh well, guess I'll check WWE.com tomorrow a.m. --- I don't think I'm investing in tonight's show - plus too much to do before the holidays.
Posted by: Jeannette | December 14, 2008 3:36 PM
Last year, Edge won the title at Armageddon with an assist from the Edgeheads. This year, I hope he retains the title with an assist from Vickie Guerrero's latest signee -- Christian!
Last month, John Cena pinned Chris Jericho with the FU. This month, I expect him to retain via STFU.
If Randy Orton beat Batista, then he would be in line for a title shot with Cena at Royal Rumble. If Cena won that match clean, then each man would have a 1:1 victory and loss to the other within the past 6 months, so a triple threat would be logic (it would recreate the Big 12 controversy in WWE, except end in a match and not unsatisfactory calculations).
I agree Punk/Rey should be a very good match, but I think WWE has played up Rey just as strong as Punk, esp. with Rey overcoming the Knox factor. I cannot imagine WWE designed this tournament to set up Regal and Punk since we've seen that match at least twice on RAW, so I'll predict the first Regal/Rey match in many years (if not ever).
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | December 14, 2008 5:15 PM
Looks about right, i see no reason that you shouldn't be at least 85% correct for this PPV
Posted by: Flik | December 14, 2008 9:39 PM
HARDY FINALLY WINS!! Tell me Kevin, is it more surprisng that Edge's reign was so short, or how long it took to give the belt to a superstar who is pretty close(Cena) to being the most popular star in WWE?
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I figured Edge would keep it Sunday and Hardy would win it next month.
Posted by: bigninked | December 15, 2008 12:05 AM