Countdown to WWE Cyber Sunday
By SLAM! Wrestling
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Tonight, WWE presents one of their most intriguing pay-per-views of the year
-- Cyber Sunday.
Yes fans, perhaps rightly so, believe that the card is fixed, but there is
such an air of mystery going into the PPV that one can't help but want to see
what happens. This year's lineup of possible matches has some really good intrigue,
with some interesting looks at future booking. Let's see what the SLAM! Wrestling crew
picked for CS'08.
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WWE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (CHOICE OF
OPPONENT FOR TRIPLE H)
Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy OR vs. Vladimir Kozlov OR vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Vladimir
Kozlov |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
I want: Triple Threat
I'll get: Jeff Hardy
Whichever way the fans go, we're not seeing a title change. If it's only Hardy,
we're getting a DQ finish with a run-in to set up a true three-way for Survivor
Series.
Andy McNamara
Who it should be: A three-way as the Vladimir Kozlov element could spice
up the Smackdown title picture. If this occurs Triple H retains.
Who it will be: The fans will vote Hardy in and we are going to see the same
match as usual...Jeff comes close, but The Game squeaks out the victory. Actually
in any combination Triple H is retaining.
Brian Elliott
Who I want: Jeff Hardy
Who I think it will be: Jeff Hardy
WWE may have done an excellent job of building up a limited Vladimir Kozlov
over a relatively long period, but it's hard to imagine that the fervour to
see him face Triple H will be any greater than to Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy. Whatever
happens, expect Triple H to be victorious.
Chris Schramm
I have Kozlov and Hardy, making the match a three-way. WWE wants to make Kozlov
look like a monster in this match, and this is the best environment for it.
I see Triple H getting the pin on Hardy but Kozlov making his mark, and not
looking bad in the end.
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GRUDGE MATCH (CHOICE OF GIMMICK)
Knockout Match OR I Quit Match OR Last Man Standing Match
Undertaker vs. Big Show
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SLAM! Predictions
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WHAT YOU THINK
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Do you vote for WWE Cyber Sunday matches?
Yes, I want to make a difference - 6%
No, I don't bother - 20%
Isn't it rigged anyway? - 73%
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Jon Waldman
I want: An end to this feud.
I'll get: At least one more match from it.
Look - 'Taker and Show have battled somewhere around 1,247 times over the past
decade or so. I don't care about the feud and I don't care about the stipulation.
Let's just have the match and work towards the Casket Match for next PPV so
we can all move on with our lives.
Andy McNamara
What it should be: Last Man Standing - The only way to have a decent contest
here is with plunder, plunder and more plunder. I guess this could work with
an I Quit Match as well, but the Last Man option gives Taker more opportunities
to do the sit up rise from the dead schtick.
What it will be: Knockout Match - The Knockout theme has been pushed on TV,
which makes me think that is how the voting will go. If this does happen then
get ready for a plodding, boring, punch fest.
Regardless of what match it is The Undertaker is going to pick up the victory
Brian Elliott
What I want: Knock-out
What I think will happen: Last Man Standing
After being knocked out by Big Show at the last PPV, it would seem obvious that
Undertaker would gain revenge at the next opportunity. But with Triple H busy
with Vladimir Kozlov, I expect Big Show to triumph once again before Undertaker
finally makes amends before the year's end.
Chris Schramm
I?d like to see a Knockout here. It could either bring a very creative or terrible
ending to the match. I think it would be the most unique of the three. I used
to love I Quit matches, with Flair vs. Funk in 1989, really shining above the
rest; but recent attempts at this match have been terrible. I see Undertaker
pulling off the win here.
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WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
(CHOICE OF GUEST REFEREE)
Randy Orton OR Shawn Michaels OR Steve Austin
Chris Jericho vs. Batista |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
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WHAT YOU THINK
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Who will win in the World title match at Cyber Sunday?
Chris Jericho - 38%
Batista - 22%
It'll be a non-finish - 39%
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I want: Randy Orton
I'll get: Shawn Michaels
Really, the only bad choice here is Stone Cold because he has had no involvement.
HBK is cemented with Jericho (and kudos to WWE for bringing up his history with
Batista), but Orton, who has been an agitator on the mic, adds a new element.
Perhaps this will begin the build towards the Orton vs. Batista feud we've all
been wanting for quite some time. No matter what, Jericho will keep his belt.
Andy McNamara
What it should be: Stone Cold - I think this for no other reason then I miss
the Stunner...they should have J.R. in for this match just so I can hear him
yell "Stone Cold! Stone Cold!"
What it will be: Shawn Michaels - This makes the most sense feud wise, and HBK
has way more exposure then Austin (obviously) so he'll get the votes.
The actual outcome is interesting as Batista has been pushed hard, and with
Raw ratings down the powers-that-be could panic and make a switch. My money
remains on Y2J to sneak out a win against all odds.
Brian Elliott
What I want: Steve Austin
What I think will happen: Steve Austin
With RAW being so heavily booked in favour of Batista this past Monday, I can't
see past Jericho retaining the title. If you don't see the logic in this, you
haven't been watching back-asswards WWE TV long enough.
Chris Schramm
Austin would be a lock at any other time, but with a strong Jericho and Michaels
feud this year, I can see the fans getting behind Jericho. But the fans that
watch wrestling today are hardcore fans, and remember Austin at his prime, so
I see Austin as the pick. The ending will be creative, but with Austin as referee,
I can see Batista getting the win after Jericho gives Austin a hard time.
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GRUDGE MATCH (CHOICE OF GIMMICK)
2/3 Falls Match OR Falls Count Anywhere Match OR No Holds Barred
Match
Rey Mysterio vs. Kane |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
I want: Falls Count Anywhere
I'll get: No Holds Barred
How is NHB even a stip anymore? Come on - NHB was only good in the Hogan era,
where matches actually had rules. Yes, I'd love to see a 2/3 falls bout in WWE
again, but not between these two. I get the feeling that Kane will win the match
unless Rey Rey has some outside help in one of the no-DQ bouts.
Andy McNamara
Maryse is way better than anyone would have expected, but still, McCool retains.
Brian Elliott
What I want: Falls Count Anywhere
What I think will happen: Falls Count Anywhere
One of the most baffling things about the current WWE product is that Rey Mysterio
doesn't have enough suitable opponents. Unless it is short, this match is a
prime candidate for the fast-forward button. Mysterio to win after something
screwy.
Chris Schramm
People do not get behind any of these matches anymore. Hardcore matches killed
off the Falls Count Anywhere and No Holds Barred type of matches. I would prefer
a 2/3 falls match usually, but not with Kane involved. I would like to see a
falls count anywhere match, but I hope they do not bring the match backstage.
Keep it around and near the ring with Mysterio pulling off the win
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ECW CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH (CHOICE OF OPPONENT)
Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry OR Evan Bourne OR Finlay |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
I want: Evan Bourne
I'll get: Evan Bourne
Bourne has the IWC behind him and Finlay's fanbase doesn't have cellphones
yet (I hope). Really though, we all know if Henry isn't picked he's going to
interfere and cause a DQ.
Andy McNamara
Who it should be: Finlay - I'm going with Finlay because Bourne isn't that over
with the fans yet, and I hope the general public have enough sense not to want
to see Henry.
Who it will be: Finlay will give Hardy the most entertaining and challenging
battle. Hardy is going to keep the strap, but at least it will be one heck of
a fight.
Brian Elliott
What I want: Evan Bourne
What I think will happen: Fit Finlay
I'd love to see Evan Bourne given the chance to flourish on PPV, even at the
expense of the wonderful Fit Finlay. In either case, Hardy will retain.
Chris Schramm
This one is tough because of the low visibility of the ECW product. I see Evan
Bourne getting picked here, being a fresh and new face as a challenger. Hardy
will retain the belt.
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UNITED STATES TITLE MATCH (CHOICE OF
OPPONENT)
Shelton Benjamin vs. R-Truth OR MVP OR Festus |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
I want: R-Truth
I'll get: R-Truth
I'm not ready for an MVP face turn, nor do I want to see Festus anywhere near
a WWE title. Truth has been fantastic in drawing heat and he and Benjamin could
put on a very solid match. Expect a title change here.
Andy McNamara
What it should be: MVP - Mr. Porter has come into his own ring work wise and
would put on a solid display with the U.S. champ. He could cut a great pre-match
promo on how he'll not only win back the gold, but also get his incentive bonus.
What it will be: R-Truth - MVP has been buried like crazy, and the live audience
seem to really be into R-Truth's singing routine. The WWE wants to drive people
to their website, so since this is a free match on WWE.com the belt will change
hands and R-Truth will be the new champion.
Brian Elliott
What I want: MVP
What I think will happen: Festus
I just can't get into the R-Truth gimmick. Largely, it's because I'm not a fan
of his spin/flip style of wrestling. I'm not certain that it's caught on with
the rest of the audience, either, who may just vote in Festus for the match.
Benjamin to retain, unless he ends up facing R-Truth.
Chris Schramm
I think R-Truth?s push has stalled and MVP will be chosen because he is the
most established name, and fans will most likely see him as the highest chance
of winning the title. I see Benjamin retaining, though.
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INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH (CHOICE
OF OPPONENT)
Santino Marella vs. Goldust OR Roddy Piper OR Honky Tonk Man |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
I want: The Honky Tonky Man
I'll get: Rodney the Piper
Piper's the only one who's been on WWE TV in the last couple years and already
had a feud going with Marella, so he gets the nod. I absolutely love Marella's
character and he's been doing great things on the mic week-in and week out.
The Honk-a-Meter lives on, no matter who the opponent is.
Andy McNamara
What it should be: Oh please, please vote Honkey Tonk. Not only would that go
perfectly with the Honk-o-Meter, but to see how awful HTM looks would be very
amusing.
What it will be: It will come down between Piper and Honkey. I'll go with the
WWE Universe selecting Honkey Tonk. I don't believe they would put the belt
on Honkey, simply because he would be a flight risk. A botched DQ finish with
Santino using the guitar is how this will end up.
Brian Elliott
Who I want: The Honky Tonky Man
Who I think will be picked: Rodney The Piper
There's no hope for this match, except for the potential for some decent comedy.
Santino to retain.
Chris Schramm
Goldust is the only one who would be able to carry this to a decent match. Piper
and Honky Tonk are old and wrestle very little nowadays. I think Honky Tonk
is not familiar enough with the fans. Piper will be seen as too old. I see Goldust
coming in and Marella getting a cheap win.
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TAG TEAM MATCH (CHOICE OF PARTICIPANTS)
Priceless vs. CM Punk/Kofi Kingston OR Miz/Morrison vs. Cryme Tyme OR
Jamie Noble/Mickie James vs. William Regal/Layla |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
I want: The tag title bout
I'll get: The tag title bout
Punk is on all the advertisements for the PPV, so not having him on the card
would be senseless. I suspect he and Kofi will win the titles here, leading
to a solid tag feud with MnM v.2. Miz and Morrison, be jealous.
Andy McNamara
What it should be: Priceless vs. Punk/Kingston - Although Cryme Tyme is popular,
the best quality match comes from this title match. I wouldn't be surprised
if the belts change hands.
What it will be: The fact that the tag belts are on the line and that the Punk/Kingston
combo is pretty popular will result in them getting voted in. The Rhodes/DiBiase
team is upset via a Kofi Kingston roll up.
Brian Elliott
What I want: Priceless v Kofi & Punk
What I think will happen: MnM v Cryme Tyme
I get the sense that even if the best match is voted in here - Priceless vs
Kofi & Punk - this one has only got about 7 or 8 minutes at most. That's
a waste of talent, and really of these performers' time. Priceless to retain.
Chris Schramm
I see Miz and Morrison vs. Cryme Tyme being chosen here. No real reason, but
it is the match that most interests me.
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DIVA HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST
Participants: Beth Phoenix, Michelle McCool, Brie Bella, Candice Michelle,
Eve, Jillian, Katie Lea Burchill, Kelly Kelly, Layla, Lena Yada, Maria,
Maryse, Natalya, Tiffany, Mickie James |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
The only time this was entertaining was when Mickie came dressed as Trish Stratus,
and honestly I can see her doing the tribute again. I get the feeling though
that one of two things will happen here - Charlie Haas will enter (Lit-Haas?
Trish Strat-Haas? The Fabulous Mool-Haas? Oh no, it will be Chyn-Haas) and win,
or Khali will have his kiss cam segment. I hope for Haas.
Andy McNamara
Michelle McCool is the most over Diva right now so she gets the fans vote and
wins the contest.
Brian Elliott
What I want: I couldn't care less.
What I think will happen: No-one else will care less.
Chris Schramm
The winner will be the girl who wears the skimpiest outfit. Without knowing
the outfits, my choice will be Kelly Kelly.
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-- compiled by Jon Waldman
