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WWE Smackdown! is headed to PPV once again, with Judgment Day, with a build very reminiscent of WCW.
You know the type of show - undercard has a lot of skill, main events are about characters.
There's little denying that top matches are looking to be high on drama, but we all know the drawback in terms of workrate. Depending on the type of fan you are, you will either love or hate this aspect.
Nonetheless, J-Day '06 should be an interesting one to watch. Here's what's on tap:
| MAIN EVENT: WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. JBL |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
With the squashing of Rey by Khali the other week, it's clear that WWE isn't
comfortable with him in the top spot. Vince loves the big guys, so it's a safe
bet that JBL walks away with the belt. As for the US belt, look for them to
consolidate it with the World Title, setting up the inevitable brand merge after
SummerSlam.
Jon Waldman
Two scenarios here - if Rey wins, it sets up for Randy Orton's return from suspension.
If JBL wins, it sets up Batista's return from injury. I'll go with the latter,
with a post-match beatdown bringing Big Dave back to save his former tag partner.
Greg Oliver
With Randy Orton out of the picture, JBL has been moved up the card quickly.
I wouldn't be surprised to see him win here. In fact, I'll take another swig
and say that the Wrestling God reclaims the title belt.
| KING OF THE RING FINAL MATCH Booker T vs. Bobby Lashley |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
How great would Booker T be as King? With Sharmell as his queen, they could
totally recreate the magic of the Macho King/Queen Sherri era from the 90s.
However, they really need to start the Lashley push and build him into a huge
star, so look for him to take it.
Jon Waldman
We'll know by the end of the night whether the Bobby Lashley Experiment is over
or not. Booker has the angle, so I expect him to win here.
Greg Oliver
Does the King of the Ring really matter? Have they announced that the winner
gets the crown, sceptre and midgets to go with him to ringside? Otherwise, what's
the point. Booker T wins, but the feud is hardly done.
| WWE TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH Brian Kendrick/Paul London vs. MNM |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
They've done a good job of building this one up, and it's possible this feud could have WWE fans interested in tag team wrestling again. To shake things up, I think they'll give the belts to PBJ (assuming Jillian Hall is in their corner again).
Jon Waldman
It's too soon for the champs to drop the belts, in my opinion. This feud has a lot of legroom and could very well culminate in a ladder match a la Hardyz/E&C. The talent is there for that scenario. MNM wins with help from Melina.
Greg Oliver
Match of the night, for sure. But the thrill is in the chase, and a great performance from London & Kendrick will mean more if they get screwed in the end. MNM retains.
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UNDERCARD
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Undertaker vs. Great Khali - Taker will try hard, but Khali's a big stiff and this one will be pretty awful. Taker wins, and hopefully we never see Khali again.
Kurt Angle vs. Mark Henry - Angle will try hard, but Henry's a big stiff and this one will pretty awful. Angle wins, and hopefully we never see Henry again.
Grogory Helms vs. Super Crazy (WWE Cruiserweight Title Match) - This may be the match of the night. Super Crazy wins, and takes the belt to ECW.
Chris Benoit vs. Finlay - After Benoit recently told the press he hasn't re-signed, don't look for him to go over. This should be a 20-minute classic, but it's likely to be a 9-minute near-squash.
Melina vs. Jillian Hall - Couldn't care less about this one. At least the Raw Diva feuds are interesting.
Jon Waldman
Undertaker vs. Great Khali - Khali's biggest test is here and now. If
he's going to have any future, he has to perform. Oh who am I kidding.
Kurt Angle vs. Mark Henry - Apparantly, WWE has re-signed Henry. sigh. With
his sloppiness, Miz-ark may end Angle's career.
Grogory Helms vs. Super Crazy (WWE Cruiserweight Title Match) - This one's
my pick for match of the night, and I expect the belt to turn into the ECW TV
Title after Crazy's win.
Chris Benoit vs. Finlay - Forget the leprachaun; bring back Cheatum!
Melina vs. Jillian Hall - This looks to be the test of how good Hall can
be in the ring. Expect her to move to the Women's Division on Raw if she works
well here.
Greg Oliver
Undertaker vs. Great Khali - Non-finish, probably a DQ of Khali.
Kurt Angle vs. Mark Henry - Depends on Angle's health. If he's going off
for a while, Henry wins.
Grogory Helms vs. Super Crazy (WWE Cruiserweight Title Match) - Shouldn't
be a throwaway match, but it is. Helms wins.
Chris Benoit vs. Finlay - Finlay is really something. He'll score the upset.
Melina vs. Jillian Hall - Melina wins just by entering the ring.
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-- compiled by Jon Waldman