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Countdown to WrestleMania 27 - Part 2
By
SLAM! Wrestling Staff
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When we last left our heroes, they were halfway through the predictions for
WrestleMania.
Having cleared through the "lower card" matches, now, we're ready
to launch into the big-deal bouts - the two Heavyweight title matches, The Streak
bout and... yes... Michael Cole vs. Jerry Lawler (hey, legitimately or not,
the bout has had the most interesting build practically of any match. Sue us!).
Talk, is cheap. Let's get to the future-telling.
SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
It seems like the rub from this feud will be Michael Cole becoming Jack Swagger's
manager. As stupid as it is, and yes I really hate it, fans rip on Swagger just
because he has a lisp. Cole could be a great mouthpiece for Swagger and a couple
other heels on SD! whilst young Josh Mathews gets the lead commentating role.
Given how Cole's also pissed off the Divas, I'm guessing they will also be in on
the epic beatdown, leading to the disgruntled Cole swearing revenge and becoming
the manager of Awesome Kong. But it all starts here folks, with the moment we've
been waiting for. Michael Cole getting the youknowwhat kicked out of him by
Lawler et. al.
Greg Oliver
This will be short, and hopefully they learned from last year's McMahon vs Hart
debacle that even revenge can go too long and drag down a show. Lawler takes
it. The real question is where they go from here with Cole.
Colin Hunter
Funny how two of the most hated heels of the modern wrestling era emerged not
from the WWE locker room, but from behind the announce table. Michael Cole is
to 2011 what Mr. McMahon was to 1998 — the pompous, cowardly blowhard who,
sooner or later, will be forcefully provided with a new mudhole. Lawler wins.
The question is: can Cole take a beating as beautifully as Andy Kaufman?
Andy McNamara
Cole as a heel character is tremendous, but I have no idea how they have him
back in the broadcast booth following this match. Does he become a manager?
Lawler 100% gets the feel good win in a contest that will involve The King mainly
giving chase and fighting off Jack Swagger. Looking forward to some Stone Cold
Stunners in this one!
Bob Kapur
I would like Cole’s heel persona so much better if he were a weaselly little
manager character, as opposed to the company’s main commentator –
it’s so counterproductive when he buries the matches and the wrestlers
when that role should be a supporting one intended to make everyone look good.
That being said, he has been magic in terms of generating hatred to the point
where everyone wants to see him get his comeuppance. And that’s exactly
what Jerry Lawler will give him. This one will end with a fist-drop and a pin,
followed by a pair of Stunners, and many beers being drank. And that will just
be at my house watching the show!
David Hillhouse
Lawler wins while Cole and Swagger get stunned. Please feel free to mock me
if I am wrong about what seems to be the most predictable match of the night.
SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
Honestly, Monday's promos by 'Taker and Shawn Michaels had me thinking that Trips
had a shot at ending the streak. 'Taker's slight edge towards heeldom and HBK's
non-belief made Trips a sympathetic babyface, and I actually go into the match
wanting The Game to win. 'Taker's too cocky now, and I almost expect him to
be the heel next year for the 20-0 match, which will also likely be a return
match vs. Hunter after The Game loses tonight.
Greg Oliver
There's really no doubt in my mind that Undertaker wins, or at least doesn't
lose. Why not a DQ to muddy up the waters? Everybody wins. Rematches down the
road.
Colin Hunter
Remember WrestleMania 17? Apparently Triple H doesn’t. He seems convinced
that he has never had an opportunity to break the Undertaker’s streak.
He tried. He failed. And by claiming there's no one else in the locker room
that would make a worthy challenge for him this year, HHH effectively buried
all his coworkers. Classy. ‘Taker wins. Again. In other words: if HHH wins,
I riot.
Andy McNamara
Unless I missed it I don't think it has been really brought up that Undertaker
already beat HHH at WrestleMania! Anything with Taker at Mania goes over huge
and the work rate should be top notch. The Dead Man goes to 19-0 and don't be
surprised if a Shawn Michaels run-in occurs.
Bob Kapur
Simply put, Taker’s streak is money. People want to see it continue, will
pay to see him defend it every year, and I think WWE would alienate many fans
if it is broken. This should be a good match, as both of these guys can deliver
in high profile situations. The no-DQ stipulations should make it that much
better, since it will allow for Shawn Michaels to get involved, following up
on RAW from this week, and let these guys swing for the fences – in fact,
this should be the rare time that the TV-PG “no blood” rule is thrown
out, to heighten the stakes even more. Taker wins at the end of a physically
and emotionally grueling match.
David Hillhouse
Well, since you already read my
Mat Matters column (right?), you know that I think Triple H
can win,
but that The Undertaker
shouldwin. Let's be clear on my opinion - The
Undertaker
willwin, but it just might come via a little interference
from Shawn Michaels to be sure that Triple H doesn't succeed where he himself
has failed. After all, since "retirement" in pro wrestling is just
another word for "vacation", HBK is probably ready to run the ropes
again.
SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
There were a lot of suggestions of late that Christian should be inserted into
this match. Certainly it makes sense, but if he did that, then he couldn't turn
on Edge in nearly as entertaining a manner. I get the feeling Christian will
be back where he belongs -- as a heel -- after destroying his brother/friend
after The Rated R Superstar defeats Del Rio.
Greg Oliver
This should be a good match, and it should be given at least 15 minutes. Del
Rio goes over, but I don't forsee a long title reign for him. Will Christian
finally get a chance as a top guy? Or will he cost Edge the title.
Colin Hunter
Edge has made a habit of losing title matches at WrestleMania, so why stop now?
Del Rio is the smarmiest, most admirably despicable heels to come along in ages,
and a win at his first ‘Mania will just stoke his heat. A falling-out between
Edge and Christian would set up a perfect post-‘Mania feud, especially
if Edge is the instigator and Christian is the victim (Edge makes a terrible
“good guy” — remember when he tortured and presumably killed
Paul Bearer? — so he should return to villainy as soon as possible).
Andy McNamara
This past week added fuel to the fire and Christian's addition has been a solid
touch. Del Rio not ready for prime time yet and should look at a long U.S. or
I.C. title run before getting one of the top straps. I'm going with Edge via
spear.
Bob Kapur
Del Rio has been amazing since debuting, and they should follow through by having
him capture the belt here, so as not to cool down this hot commodity. A loss
wouldn’t hurt Edge’s legacy, and in fact could open the door for even
better things – maybe another run as a bad guy, which is a better fit for
him, and a Christian-Del Rio feud for the belt, which seems to be logical, in
light of Christian’s recent wins over ADR.
David Hillhouse
Alberto Del Rio is a classic silent-film era villain, and he's getting the star
treatment with this title shot. There was a brutally quick build-up of animosity
between these two after the Elimination Chamber event, so there's not much drama
between them personally. I think Del Rio is going over hands-down, and frankly
find it refreshing. Too many heels have been getting their rise through Money
in the Bank, pulling a fast one and winning the belt after a run-in. Del Rio
should be crowned as the great new villainous champion who will barely, but
legitimately, win the title - and then keep it for a lengthy time by running
away and other cowardly means.
SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
I've read over a few different fan scenarios, and the one that I like the most
is Rock vs. Miz at SummerSlam and Rock vs. Cena at WM28. Really, neither Cena
nor Miz have any hope in hell of being the last man standing at the end of the
night, especially after Raw. Rock will take out Cena, Miz will get the "cheap"
win and WWE will pull off a fans vs. fans feud (older fans siding with Team
Bring It, younger being part of CeNation), the likes of which haven't been seen
since the Canada vs. U.S. fans during the Bret Hart / Steve Austin feud at the
start of the Attitude Era.
Greg Oliver
The wild card here is, of course, The Rock. Given the way this has played out,
I think the best way to go is to have The Rock cost Cena the title, somehow,
not by outright cheating or anything, just something inadvertent. It keeps The
Miz as champ, and furthers Rock versus Cena, probably for SummerSlam. The conclusion
of Mania is Cena and Rock in a standoff.
Colin Hunter
The proper billing of this match should be “John Cena vs. The Rock, with
special guest The Miz.” While The Miz has been a quintessential heel in
the lead-up — a conniving, conspiring jerkface — the true draw is
the expectation of a showdown between Cena and The Rock. Best-case scenario?
Cena wins but turns mega-heel (half the crowd will be booing him anyway), setting
up an eventual match against Rock. Worst-case scenario? Freestyle rap-off resulting
in handshake and hug.
Andy McNamara
I was skeptical at first, but this build has been amazing and throwing in The
Rock as a factor makes this a must see. To legitimize Miz he needs to beat Cena
clean. Then a true new main eventer will be born. However, if Miz wins it will
be with help from Rock. My pick is Cena goes over clean as a whistle despite
all odds for the lame feel good Mania moment.
Bob Kapur
You have to give Miz credit in that he’s held his own against the gigantic
personalities of, and the fantastic interplay between Cena and the Rock, and
hasn’t let himself become a complete afterthought going into the match.
During the match, though, I think it will be a different story. This one is
going to be all about Cena and the Rock, with Miz and the title belt unfortunately
being treated as mere props in that storyline. Cena walks away with the title,
but look for the night to end with a Rock Bottom on the new champ.
David Hillhouse
If this match were really about The Miz defending his title against John Cena,
then it would probably serve as the final piece of evidence that The Miz as
champ was a failed experiment - at least at this point in his career. The silence
heard throughout arenas as The Miz has attacked Cena in the past few weeks has
smacked of apathy more than shock or disdain. Plus, as has been pointed out,
this match, on paper, has as much drama as when Triple H suggested that beating
Cena at Wrestlemania 22 would be a walk in the park (mind you, we all know how
that worked out).
However, this match really isn't about that, anyway. It's about The Rock. It's
about whether the people's champ is going to pull a Hulk Hogan and jump into
the ring for an impromptu match and take home the belt (if Alex Riley throws
salt in John Cena's eyes, we'll know for sure). At the very least, The Rock
is going to have an impact on the result, and perhaps start the train rolling
towards Cena/Rock at SummerSlam. Or, is The Rock not
really back?
This match has a lot up in the air, which is my way of weaselling out of a bold
prediction. I say The Rock interferes, but Cena still takes home the title,
lighting a fire in The Rock to chase the belt.
Visit the SLAM! Wrestling store!
Whether you're in the market for a boxed set
or individual shows, pick up past WrestleManias in the SLAM! Store.
-- compiled by Jon Waldman
RELATED LINKS
Countdown to WrestleMania 27 - Part 1
More on WrestleMania 27
WrestleMania 27 photo galleries
