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April 25, 2010

Extreme Rules preview

Predictions for tonight’s WWE pay-per-view, which I will be attending at Baltimore’1st Mariner Arena:

WWE champion John Cena vs. Batista in a Last Man Standing Match: With all of the recent speculation that Batista’s days in WWE are numbered, it seems like a foregone conclusion that Cena will retain the title. WWE could always pull a swerve and have Batista win to prove the Internet Wrestling Community wrong (just as it booked Rob Van Dam to defeat Randy Orton a few years ago when the word was out that RVD was leaving), but I doubt it. I’m going with Cena in another exciting match between these two.

World heavyweight champion Jack Swagger vs. Randy Orton in an Extreme Rules Match: It wouldn’t surprise me if Orton won the title, but I don’t think he’s going to. Here’s my scenario: Orton is about to win the match, but Jericho comes out and attacks him, allowing Swagger to get the victory. Jericho later explains that it should have been him getting the shot at Swagger, and he wasn’t going to allow Orton to take the title to Raw. Then either Orton gets drafted to Smackdown or Jericho gets drafted to Raw on Monday night’s three-hour Raw, and the two begin a feud.

Edge vs. Chris Jericho in a Steel Cage Match: There appears to be the blow-off match to their program. Since Jericho defeated Edge at WrestleMania XXVI last month, Edge will win what figures to be a very good match.

Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk (Punk’s hair is on the line): This could be an excellent match if they are given enough time. Punk just wouldn’t be the same without his long hair, so I’m predicting (hoping) that he wins, perhaps thanks to outside inteference by a debuting member of the Straight Edge Society.

Sheamus vs. Triple H in a Street Fight: With Triple H having won their first meeting at WrestleMania XXVI, Sheamus has to win tonight if the program is to continue. The street fight gimmick allows Triple H to lose in a manner in which he still comes out looking strong.

WWE women’s champion Michelle McCool vs. Beth Phoenix in an Extreme Makeover Match: It hasn’t been explained what exactly an Extreme Makeover Match is, but I suppose there will be a lot of props such as lipstick, hair spray, powder, etc. I think Phoenix overcomes outside interference by Layla and Vickie Guerrero and wins the title.

JTG vs. Shad Gaspard in a Strap Match: It seems obvious that Gaspard is going to benefit from the dissolution of Cryme Tyme more than his former tag team partner. Gaspard’s singles push begins with a convincing victory tonight.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 4:37 PM | | Comments (18)
        

Comments

Wow that's α pretty good review.But エ think JTG is going to beat Shad.エ wish this feud would last long and have α title involed.

I agree with you that outside interference will cost Orton the match but I believe that interference will come from Cody Rhodes, not Chris Jericho.

Wow, I have the same exact picks. Great minds think alike.

Hey Kevin,

You've been very busy today, and I know you don't like advance rumors, but by the time you read this, Extreme Rules will be said and done. Any truth to the rumor that Batista was yanked from a WWE-produced movie because he didn't have a long-term contract, that he's furious at the company, and that tonight will be his last match? And what's up with Mark Henry getting arrested?

They actually have the JTG/Shad match on the PPV? I feel for you, Baltimore. I doubt it's going to make its' way onto your "top 20 Baltimore wrestling moments" list.

The fact that Mysterio's mask isn't on the line as well makes it seemingly obvious that Punk will win (since there's no way they'll ditch one of their most money making gimmicks). But that alone could be a swerve. I think Punk picks up the win and moves to Raw to be the top heel.

Kev,
This is the first I'm hearing of Batista possibly leaving.. What's going on? Did he fall out of favor or just looking to leave on his own?

RESPONSE FROM KE: It's his decision.

I missed the Batista news. What's going on? Released? quitting the business and becoming the O's closer? heading to TNA?

Kev, why could Batista's WWE days be numbered?

Kevin -

I enjoyed your review of the top moments in Baltimore.

Would you consider starting a thread of what the readers' remember about their attendance at live events in any city which would be considered some of the most significant moments in wrestling? Suggestions would be title changes, their first live show, pay per view events, something unbelievable at a house show, etc. I'd be interested, in fact, as to what you think is the most significant happening you have ever witnessed at a live show. Thanks.

wish I would have read this before tonight. Would have posted then also. Good job on 3 of your predictions.
Mine were this, Punk really couldnt shave his hair.
Y2J will win, so he gets his rightful rematch. Swagger has already lost to Orton twice. Makes sense that he continues the streak of losing on TV, and winning the PPV's.
Shad is spose to win, but the split hasnt benefited JTG yet
If Batista win, then we have more feud. So Cena should win and bury this storyline.
Micki James gone, what better way to replace that void, but give it back to Beth. Maybe Santino will want her again, now! LOL

post ER
The obvious in the tag event. 2 teams suddenly wrestling again after long hiatus, who else but THD. The angle to buy Brett another month, of admitting the greatest tag team.

PS...thanks for being there for me Kev. Was with a non wrestling fan, and always have you to shout out at!

Why is Batista joining Shelton on the release list? I hadn't heard that. It's a shame, because since his heel turn, he'd become a compelling character to me. I couldn't have cared less about him before.

I hope WWE has better plans for pushing new guys or they'll be in trouble.

Well, Well, Well, I'm thinking you had wrote the finishes for the WWE. I'm still Pi**ed that Swagger got over on Orton. No Clean Head for Punk. You Called them all Right. I called them all wrong!!!!!!!!! Dang it!!!!!!!!!! Come On Draft!!!!!!!!!!

Kev,

Great list. Sorry I'm a little late but I remember another match that I believe derserves to be on your list. I don't remember when it took place but I do remember being there when Ivan Putski defeated the WWF champion, Superstar Billy Graham. Those were the days when the main event was the last match of the night and everybody left the Civic Center believing Putski had won the title. We all had to wait until next week's tv show to find out that though Putski won the match, he didn't win the title. To this day I still don't know why the title didn't change hands but that was a great match. I think it took place maybe a month or two after Graham beat Bruno for the title. Maybe your memory is better than mine.

Can't wait to read your comments on Extreme Rules - this is just a comment to your preview/predictions and I was there also, and I'm sure by now, most readers know how things went via watching or wwe.com - but I do have to say that was one of the better nights of wrestling I've seen in awhile --- Loved the ending with John Cena and the tape. I was laughing so hard, more so at Batista's anger upon leaving the ring. I was thrilled that Bret Hart was there, because I've never seen him in person, so I was glad he was there live.

Few additional comments:

Assume Triple H leaving on a stretcher is setting up a leave for him away from WWE during the upcoming birth of their third child? So I guess he'll be gone for a few months?

Also, a few of us went down Sunday afternoon to see if we saw any of the wrestlers arrive, sign autographs, etc. There were about 30 people in the group (about a third of them kids under the age of 12) across from the Days Inn on Lombard Street --- and I chatted with quite a few people - some from New York and Massachusetts who were there specifically for the PPV. I was really amazed, yet disappointed in some of the wrestlers. I guess although they're trying to play their on screen persona to the crowd, I feel that we're the ones who watch, and pay to go to these events, buy their merchandise, and the fact that there were only about 30 people, not 300 - I was very disappointed how many of them just rode into the arena and wouldn't even wave to the fans. Sheamus's car stopped about 4 feet in front of us - and got out, would not turn to the crowd - just got his gear and walked with his back away and into the arena. I do have to say, both Orton and Cena did get out of their vans, acknowledge, wave to the crowd, stand still for pics, and Cena threw about 1/2 dozen headbands into the crowd. And I will on another note, say that R-Truth and John Morrison (separately) were the most gracious, in acknowledging the fans, signing autographs and posing for pics. Sorry for this long rant, but it really bothered me that they couldn't take 3-4 minutes and acknowledge the fans, especially without us, where would they be? But I do have to say, I've more respect now for Randy Orton then I've had in the past. Oh, and Natalya and the Hart Dynasty did wave from behind the car windows, and so did Vicky Guerrero and Teddy Long. But most of the others just rode straight in or got out and wouldn't even wave hello... sort of left a "sour note" with some of us there. My vent for the day... But I am looking forward to your view on the entire show/results.

RESPONSE FROM KE: I spent some time with R-Truth after a show one night. Great guy.

Damn Kevin, you were so close to being 100% on this one.
I love the blog by the way, keep up the great work!

"Punk just wouldn’t be the same without his long hair, so I’m predicting (hoping) that he wins, perhaps thanks to outside inteference by a debuting member of the Straight Edge Society."

Do you ever wonder if wwe has someone reading this blog and takes some of your ideas?

Really nice post and review,i also have same feeling that the beth phoenix will win the title

You must have read the script for the rey vs punk match "perhaps thanks to outside inteference by a debuting member of the Straight Edge Society." That is amazing!

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About Kevin Eck
The Baltimore Sun's Kevin Eck blogs about professional wrestling.
E-mail Kevin.
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