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Countdown to WWE Survivor Series
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The Survivor Series is upon us, and old-school wrestling fans can...rejoice?
The hesitation is because tonight's card reflects how the annual elimination
fest has become a shell of its former self. Remember when EVERY match was
a specialty bout?
Thank you for patronizing this old-timer and allowing him to rant for a bit.
Let's look at the card.
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SURVIVOR SERIES ELIMINATION MATCH
Triple H/Matt Hardy/Jeff Hardy/Rey Mysterio/Kane vs.
Umaga/Finlay/MVP/Big Daddy V/Mr. Kennedy
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
Last year's sweep by Team Trippy will not be repeated this year, we can safely say
that much. I still see the faces coming out on top though, and to me, putting
Jeff and Rey as the last men standing elevates them both. The x factor here is Matt,
with his kayfabe knee injury from Smackdown. I could see Edge being subbed in and
factoring in the finish, maybe "inadvertanly" elimintating HHH.
Andy McNamara
This main event should work to set up or continue feuds. HHH and Umaga are ending so
I would see Kennedy being The Game's next victim. Overall give the nod to the good
guys with HHH getting the final pinfall.
Greg Oliver
Cool. A real Survivor Series match. But with nothing at stake, like a title shot,
it'll just be another bout, albeit a good one with lots and lots happening.
It's Kennedy's time to shine, as Triple H has to move past Umaga.
I can see Kennedy pinning Triple H, since it doesn't hurt the big guy's ego to
lose here. Survivors are Kennedy and Finlay.
Matt Mackinder
I wish WWE had more of these matches to go along with the title of the
pay-per-view. But no, we’re stuck watching Big Fatty. Great. I see
HHH facing a 1-on-3 disadvantage, but turns into Superman and eliminates
Fatty, Umaga and Mr. Kennedy to win and then pose with home improvement items.
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MAIN EVENT: WWE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
MATCH
Randy Orton (cannot try to get DQ'd) vs Shawn Michaels (cannot use the Superkick)
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
Can no one else see the finish here coming a mile away? If Vinnie Mac wasn't
a part of this storyline that would be one thing; but he's been the catalyst
for this match from the beginning. What does this mean? Revenge for Vince.
Orton puts the Sharpshooter on Shawn and McMahon orders the timekeeper to
ring the....bell, screwing HBK 10 years after the initial job. Orton wins.
Andy McNamara
Although the stipulations are rather odd this feud has been built beautifully.
HBK getting RKO'd on RAW would suggest he gets the gold but I'm feeling that
Orton somehow sneaks out a victory to retain.
Greg Oliver
Does Michaels deserve one more run? He's not even a full-time wrestler.
So I think he has to look strong, but lay down and do the right thing.
They owe us a real finish after the last match-up.
Matt Mackinder
Does HBK get one last run here with the championship? It’d be nice,
but I see Orton hitting a low-blow after a ref bump and then nailing
an RKO as the ref wakes up to count the pin. Of course, this sets up
a return gimmick match at Royal Rumble.
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WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Batista vs. The Undertaker (Hell in a Cell)
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
What are we on now, chapter 11 of this un-interesting feud? Look; I recognize
that the matches have been above average, but that doesn't mean I want
to see these two main event again. Batista is the most undeserving champ
in WWE today. Get the belt off him and for god sake, let's move on.
Andy McNamara
This is Taker's time to get his title run to WrestleMania
that he was supposed to have before the injury. This is the perfect match
for Batista to drop the belt as he can still look strong in the Hell
in a Cell atmosphere.
Greg Oliver
If you'd asked me a year ago about Batista being in the best match
of the night, I would have laughed. But it'll probably be the case here,
in no small part because of Undertaker. I think Taker wins here to take
the belt and prolong the feud.
Matt Mackinder
I hope this match isn’t tame. It should be a four-star match if the bookers get
their act together. I’m torn on the result, though. Part of me wants another
‘Taker title reign, while the other part wants to see him job to Batista.
I’ll go with the first choice: new champion crowned here.
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ECW HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
CM Punk vs. John Morrison vs. The Miz (Triple Threat) |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
The tag team title win on Friday adds an interesting dynamic. WWE would be
foolish to kick off another "champs that don't get along" feud now, right
after the outstanding work of MVP and Hardy. I gotta go with Punk winning
here.
Andy McNamara
There is no way Punk should be dropping the title to either of these guys.
If given time this could be a sleeper solid match as both Punk and Morrison
can work, and Miz has come a long way. CM Punk gets the nod.
Greg Oliver
The Miz just isn't a credible opponent. So he's out; but I could see him
doing something to help Morrison win and/or cost Punk the title. I'm going
out on a limb and pick Morrison to regain the title.
Matt Mackinder
How Miz gets on a pay-per-view I will never know. If he wins the title,
I will spew violently. But have no fear, Punk will retain. I hope.
Please? Knowing the WWE, this match opens the show to get it out of the way.
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GRUDGE MATCH
Great Khali vs. Hornswoggle |
SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
You have to figure someone comes out to save Hornswoggle from the
pancake treatment. We'll be seconds away from the big squash until
someone comes out and saves him. To me, that person is none other than
The Big Show.
Andy McNamara
Does anyone really care? Lets go with the heel ladies for the win.
Greg Oliver
This match sure got a lot of hype. Can it possibly live up to it?
Hah! Unless they are done with Khali, and plan to send him out to
(a very large) pasture, he wins. Coachman will be involved somehow
since someone on the writing team thinks this is all soooo amusing.
Matt Mackinder
The concession stand match of the night. Maybe this will have some sort
of comic relief involved, but I see Vince somehow helping his “son” win
as Khali stumbles and staggers through yet another gonger of a match.
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WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
Trevor Murdoch/Lance Cade vs. Bob Holly/Cody Rhodes |
SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
Thankfully, it looks like that lame Yoko Ono storyline with Mickie and Trevor
is done. I can't see any other credible finish than Murdoch and Cade winning.
Andy McNamara
Cade and Murdoch are a terrific team, but the upstart team of Holly/Rhodes
has been given an intriguing push. In a quick rollup, Rhodes picks up the
pinfall for the surprise win.
Greg Oliver
To the writing team's credit, they took their time with the
Holly/Rhodes storyline. That's a good thing.
But it doesn't mean that the fans care about them or that they
deserve the titles. Cade and Murdoch retain.
Matt Mackinder
I’m not sure Holly and Rhodes are championship material at all.
Cade and Murdoch are solid workers and will probably carry this match.
This could be an above-average match, but the straps stay with Cade and Murdoch.
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10-WOMAN TAG TEAM MATCH
Beth Phoenix/Melina/Jillian Hall/Victoria/Layla vs. Mickie James/Kelly Kelly/Torrie Wilson/Maria/Michelle McCool
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
The reality that this is the "Survivor" Series tells me it's time for Ashley's return,
possibly re-aligning herself with Beth Phoenix (bet you forgot about that storyline).
Cocky Ashley costs the faces the match.
Andy McNamara
Does anyone really care? Lets go with the heel ladies for the win.
Greg Oliver
A meaningless match designed to fill time. The good girls win.
Matt Mackinder
This would be better as an elimination match and not just a normal
tag match. Though I could care less who wins, I’ll go with the Beth
Phoenix side I guess.
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-- compiled by Jon Waldman
