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Countdown to Unforgiven
By
SLAM! Wrestling Staff
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"New blood joins this earth, and quickly he's subdued.
Through constant pain disgrace, a young boy learns their rules.
With time the child draws in, this whipping boy done wrong.
Deprived of all his thoughts a young man struggles on and on he's known.
Avow unto his own, that never from this day, his will they'll take away"
- Metallica, Unforgiven
Lyrics to a song may have never been more appropriate going into a pay-per-view.
In this case, the young boy is WWE Champion John Cena, who has been beat down
repeatedly by Eric Bischoff and his evil forces.
The young boy can also refer, however, to Matt Hardy, who many see as not having
been given a chance since he came back to WWE. He has also been the victim of
several attacks by an agressor, in this case Edge. It can also refer to two
other "boys", "Nature Boy" Ric Flair and "Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, and newbie Ashley Massaro.
Come Sunday, we will see if these young boys (and girl) and others can step
up and fight back despite their struggles. Until then, we can only wonder what
will happen.
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WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Kurt Angle vs. John Cena
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
If I recall correctly, Cena's first televised match was against Kurt Angle.
I remember being really impressed by Cena at the time; my, how times have
changed. It's always more intriguing when the face is chasing for the belt,
so I think that Angle takes it here to set up a lengthy feud.
Chris Sokol
Same deal, different challenger. While Kurt Angle is the far superior wrestler,
expect Cena to outlast him in this one. I mean it wouldn't be Raw if the most
over and most pushed Superstar wasn't squashed by a returning Triple H.
Jon Waldman
Angle is just looking too strong right now. Cena has admitted himself that Angle
is the better wrestler time and time again. You have to figure Angle takes it
here, and with the intensity brewing between these two, a Survivor Series blow-off
is the most likely scenario.
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INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH
Carlito vs. Ric Flair
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Rumour has it that Flair will be having a showdown with HHH upon the latter’s
return. My guess it's that it will stem from HHH's jealousy that Flair
has a championship and he doesn't. Meaning that Flair will beat Carlito
and walk away with the I-C belt.
Chris Sokol
Carlito is an excellent Intercontinental Champion; he has the charisma, he had
the talent and he has the ability. In a way you could almost depict him as a
young, Caribbean Ric Flair. It would be a good, torch-passing moment to see
Carlito win this one.
Jon Waldman
If this is indeed Flair's last run, you have to expect he'll take the title
here. What we could also see is a re-match Monday, with Chris Masters interfering
and costing Flair the strap. With HBK's help, Flair fights back, only to be
taken down by a returning Triple H, who reforms Evolution. Only question is
whether or not Flair does yet another heel turn afterward.
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GRUDGE MATCH
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Masters
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
My guess is that at some point during his pre-SummerSlam anti-Hogan shoot promos,
Michaels said something that touched a nerve in Vince McMahon. How else can
you explain him being punked out by Masters repeatedly? Well, whatever is going
on, look for it to go on for at least one more night, as he does the job to
the Masterpiece at Unforgiven.
Chris Sokol
This won't be good for Michaels's back, as chances are he will be carrying this
match all the way. Masters has been a dominant path of rage as of late, but
it would only be fitting to have him slayed on PPV by "The Heartbreak Kid".
Jon Waldman
Finally, we will see if Michaels is really a "new man". Since his
return to WWE, he has only really put over one new-comer, Randy Orton, and that
wasn't much of a put-over itself. Masters, despite still being green, is showing
a lot of potential as a Lex Luger-esque power machine. If HBK wins, and somehow
breaks the Mater Lock, then Masters is all but done in WWE, so let's hope Chris
wins.
| OTHER MATCHES |
- Bob Kapur:
Trish Status/Ashey Massaro vs. Victoria/Torrie Wilson - Victoria's
interference helps PMS-2K defeat Trishley.
Edge vs. Matt Hardy (Steel Cage) - It's only been a week since
a feud came to an end in a cage match, it'd be stupid to do it
again this soon. Edge's comeuppance will have to wait until next
month.
The Big Show vs. Snitsky - Hope this one takes place about mid-way
through the show, just in time for a bathroom break.
Kerwin White vs. Shelton Benjamin - I'm tempted to make a White
supremacy joke, but that would be wrong. Kerwin draws first blood
in this continuing feud.
Super Heroes vs. BlackJacks 2005 (Tag Team Title Match) - The challengers
dethrone the Disposable Heroes
- Chris Sokol:
Trish Status/Ashey Massaro vs. Victoria/Torrie Wilson - Trish and
Victoria are both extremely talented and with Trish returning it's
obvious she'll win.
Edge vs. Matt Hardy (Steel Cage) - Don't destroy Matt Hardy any further;
let him win a match!
The Big Show vs. Snitsky - Neither man has had a major role in quite
some time, but I think The Big Show is getting the push
Kerwin White vs. Shelton Benjamin - Benjamin is an amazing athlete,
but Kerwin White will get the nod in this one.
Super Heroes vs. BlackJacks 2005 (Tag Team Title Match) - Considering
that Cade and Murdoch are the only other tag team on Raw that hasn't
been squashed like a pancake, they get the win.
- Jon Waldman:
Trish Status/Ashey Massaro vs. Victoria/Torrie Wilson - Trish carries,
but I'm going with her ko'ing Torrie, allowing Ashley to get the pin
and send Mrs. Kidman out of WWE.
Edge vs. Matt Hardy (Steel Cage) - Hardy has to win here, no questions
asked. They're obviously not done yet, and I have a sneaking suspicion
that we'll see the first ever one-on-one TLC match at Survivor Series,
possibly in a career vs. career bout (maybe Lita's on the line).
The Big Show vs. Snitsky - What happened to Wight taking the Masterlock
Challenge? Who cares.
Kerwin White vs. Shelton Benjamin - Damnit, Chavo, you weren't supposed
to get over with this gimmick! Oh well. Chavito takes it here.
Super Heroes vs. BlackJacks 2005 (Tag Team Title Match) - Murdoch
and Cade take the belts, natch.
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-- compiled by Jon Waldman
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