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Countdown to the Great American Bash
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The Great American Bash was one of the most anticipated pay-per-views in the
days of the NWA and WCW.
Now, under WWE's command, the July spectacular has lost some of its lustre.
Last year's event was considered by many to be the worst PPV of 2004.
Going into GAB '05, there is a lot of potential for a much stronger effort,
one that could even possibly live up to the show's past glory. Let's take a
closer look..
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WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Batista vs. JBL
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Is it just me, or does it seem like Batista is floundering on Smackdown? On
Raw, he seemed like a dominant monster - but now, it just seems like he's an
afterthought on the show. Hopefully, he'll be booked strong here, and regain
some of his shine.
Jon Waldman
Batista's title run thus far hasn't lit the world on fire, nor has it been a
bust. He needs to go over strong here, but not too strong to set up a re-match
at Summerslam. That, of course, is when Brock Lesnar come back. The count down
begins tonight.
Jason Clevett
This is Batista's first big title defense on his new brand, and I expect this
won't be the last match between the two. This could be a trainwreck or watchable.
While GAB may have been lucky for JBL last year, it's not this year.
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UNITED STATES TITLE MATCH
Chris Benoit vs. Orlando Jordan
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Orlando might have a bright future ahead of him - though I haven't been impressed
thus far. Giving him the belt reeked of booking on the fly, and allowing him
to hold it for so long is just plain wrong. Putting the belt on Benoit should
help elevate the title back to something of importance. Pick: Benoit
Jon Waldman
There's a US Title? Oh, I'm sorry, I completely forgot about it. You see, Jordan
is quite possibly the most boring wrestler on Smackdown... ah screw it, any
wrestling television show. Jordan, IMO, only avoided the roster cut because
he had the belt, so it will be interesting to see if he's still around after
Benoit beats him Sunday.
Jason Clevett
Time to end the Orlando Jordan experiment and try and make the belt more then
just a prop again. Plus if Benoit is the champion he can feud with Christian,
since it looks like the "Peepmaster" won't be getting the big gold
belt anytime soon.
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GRUDGE MATCH
Muhammad Hassan vs. Undertaker
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
It will be interesting to see what WWE does with Hassan after the recent heat
they got for the character. The company is known for pushing the envelope, but
with their recent spanking from UPN, this might be the one that goes too far.
But, that said, I picked two faces to win the title matches, so I have to pick
the heel here,
just to even things up a bit.
Jon Waldman
Well, we knew 'Taker was going to win, even before the WWE announcement regarding
Hassan's character. 'Taker hasn't put over a younger wrestler since Lesnar,
and methinks Mr. Calloway will not be doing that again any time soon. It's a
shame that Hassan's character is being dumped, because it was probably the most
interesting persona on WWE TV.
Jason Clevett
I originally would have said Hassan thanks to Ortonference, but with the likely
end of the character (which means what for the super talent Davari?) I think
Hassan will be buried in cement by his manager... oh wait that was last year's
stupid angle. Regardless, something puts Hassan to rest.
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SECRET'S OUT MATCH
Eddy Guererro vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Feud of the year? Even though I'm not a particular fan of Rey, I do like the
feud that has been burning between these two. The story-writing here has been
well-paced, compelling, and has provided the perfect background for their matches.
I think Eddie wins this one, but doesn't reveal the secret in order to screw
with Rey's head even longer. Winner: Eddie
Jon Waldman
You know they're building to a hot Summerslam match, likely with Mysterio's
mask on the line. Evil Eddie rocks, and the build up here has been wicked. Rey
wins here, but Guererro, the liar, cheater and...stealer?...lets the cat out
of the bag anyways.
Jason Clevett
There is no way they won't reveal "the secret" which will probably
be something stupid, a shame considering how masterfully Guerrero and Mysterio
have carried this. I expect a phenomenal match, but the question is, will Guerrero
win, or will he reveal the secret anyway in anger? I'm picking Latino Heat to
finally beat the masked man.
SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Melina vs. Torrie Wilson - Torrie Wilson
MNM vs. LOD 2005 - MNM
Christian vs. Booker T - Christian
bWo vs. Mexicools - Double DQ
Jon Waldman
Melina vs. Torrie Wilson - Torrie obviously learned how to keep her spot from
'Taker. She holds down the hot new talent here. Damn her.
MNM vs. LOD 2005 - Anyone else see a Heridenreich turn here? MNM walks away
with the titles.
Christian vs. Booker T - All hail the Captain! Christian walks away with the
W.
bWo vs. Mexicools - bWo or JOB? Mexicools take this battle of ECW alumni.
Jason Clevett
Melina vs. Torrie Wilson - Melina, hopefully to push the hot new girl.
MNM vs. LOD 2005 - MNM... please...
Christian vs. Booker T - Christian continues his high profile position
bWo vs. Mexicools - Whoever doesn't get hurt by Juvi will be the winner.
-- compiled by Jon Waldman
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