 |
WWF WrestleMania X8 2002
The SkyDome,
Toronto , Ontario
Sunday, Mar. 17th, 2002
|
SLAM! Predictions
RON HUTCHISON, Wrestling legend, trainer (Edge, Christian, others), guru, owner of The Apocalypse Wrestling Federation, Ron Hutchison's Pro Wrestling Gym:
CHRIS JERICHO versus TRIPLE H
As much as I would like to go with the Canadian
in this one I must caution him about the dastardly Stephanie McMahon
Helmsley! Steph and Hunter are not yet divorced are they? LOL. My heart
is with Jericho but my mind is made up. I will take Triple H in this one
with the assist to Stephanie McMahon.
"HOLLYWOOD" HULK HOGAN versus THE ROCK
The two biggest icons in sports entertainment meet
at wrestling's biggest showcase. Got to go with the Rock on this one, as the legendary Hogan, much the
same way in which Andre did with him at WrestleMania III in Michigan, get's
ready to pass the torch to the next generation of pro-wrestling superstars.
SCOTT HALL versus STEVE AUSTIN
This one is a tough one to call.
The NWO hasn't been back long enough to extinguish their flame at
WrestleMania. I think they have a lot of legs left with the whole NWO
angle. I expect total chaos in this one with interference from at least one
member of the NWO. That being said I am going to go against logic and give
this one, in very controversial fashion to Scott Hall. Especially if my
prediction for the Rock/ Hogan match is on the money!
JOHN POWELL SLAM! Wrestling Co-Editor:
CHRIS JERICHO versus TRIPLE H
Like the Hogan - Rock bout, it will be curious to be in SkyDome and be able to hear how the live crowd reacts. It could be split like it was many years ago when Hulk tussled with Warrior. I can't see Jericho making it out of SkyDome with the belt. I believe solidly in the rumour that Triple H will turn heel and along with Stephanie, steal the belt away from Jericho. Y2J will be the heel going in but the face coming out.
"HOLLYWOOD" HULK HOGAN versus THE ROCK
A clash of the legends? Heh. Heh. Heh. Heh. Heh. Heh. Heh. Don't make me laugh. With The Rock being pinned cleanly recently and being on the short end of most of his encounters with Hogan, I expect Rock to defeat Hogan in the main event. It certainly won't be a classic but it will be fun. Shades of The Warrior and Hogan at WrestleMania 6. What I am really looking forward to though is how the live crowd will react. Traditionally, Canadian fans have cheered on Hogan (even when he turned and became "Hollywood") and have no qualms about booing The Rock even when he is a face. No matter how good or bad the bout is, the crowd will play a large role.
SCOTT HALL versus STEVE AUSTIN
The rumour mill has Austin grumping a lot backstage recently. That tells me that he might not be too thrilled with the upcoming plans for his feud with the nWo. It makes sense that this ends in foggy fashion with either a DQ or Hall getting a disputed win. Whatever the case, I assume that in the next few months Austin will be making his way through the nWo ranks until he starts a feud with Hogan.
JOHN MOLINARO, SLAM! Wrestling Co-Editor:
CHRIS JERICHO versus TRIPLE H
Triple H will win, which is too bad
because I think Jericho has had a nice run on top and should be given more
time with it. But going with Triple H as the new champ makes sense because
they're been building to it the past few months and he'll make a good
champion.
"HOLLYWOOD" HULK HOGAN versus THE ROCK
The Rock Versus "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan - Icon vs. Icon? Whatever? This
should be so funny to watch because Hogan, of course, sucks and can't even
move in the ring. It'll be a pleasure to watch him embarrass himself. Look
for Rock to get the win to make up for doing the job on Monday.
SCOTT HALL versus STEVE AUSTIN
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin Versus Scott Hall. - I think Austin'll go over
but I wouldn't be surprised if they give the win to Hall to keep the feud
alive and give it more legs.
BOB KAPUR, SLAM! Wrestling Reporter:
CHRIS JERICHO versus TRIPLE H
I like the build-up for this match, though the whole "Lucy" thing was pretty
lame. I'm hoping they remove Stephanie from ringside early, so the match
plays itself out, but I know that's only wishful thinking. She'll
interfere, it will backfire, and Triple H picks up the win.
"HOLLYWOOD" HULK HOGAN versus THE ROCK
I didn't think they could come up with a match more monumental than Hogan
vs. Warrior at the last WM in Toronto. Two of the most recognizable icons
of wrestling in history fighting for the status of legend. It won't be a
great match technically, but Hogan-Warrior wasn't either, and it's still one
people talk about. I can't see Hogan passing the torch as long as he's got
a long-term contract, though. So pick Hollywood with the upset, thanks to
interference from Nash.
SCOTT HALL versus STEVE AUSTIN
Survey time... does it make sense for the nWo "poison" to come in, hurt a
few guys for a couple of weeks, and then do the job, thereby losing any
credibility as a major threat? I don't think so, which is why I'm picking
Hall to win via screwjob.
NICK TYLWALK, SLAM! Wrestling Reporter:
CHRIS JERICHO versus TRIPLE H
Two months ago I probably would have told you that
nothing would dampen my enthusiasm for this match at
WrestleMania. Then we got a heavy dose of Stephanie,
Jericho was reduced to an errand boy, a dog pooped and
the rest is history. If Triple H reunites with Steph
and turns heel (actually a double turn since the
sympathy Jericho would get would turn him face in the
process), I'm going to be mad. I might even yell.
Regardless, I expect the undisputed champ to job in
front of his home fans.
"HOLLYWOOD" HULK HOGAN versus THE ROCK
A match for the ages? A match for the aged is more
like it. The big question, the only one that really
matters, is whether or not Hogan still has anything
left in the tank. If he does, this could be fun. If
not ... well, let's not think about that. Hogan got
his win on Raw so logic dictates Rocky should win.
I'm almost hoping there's not a clean finish and that
something unexpected happens.
SCOTT HALL versus STEVE AUSTIN
Hey yo! As regular readers know, Hall's return is my
favorite part of the nWo redux. Everyone suspects he
can still go, but this will be the true test. I can't
see him winning though.
MIKE ALTAMURA, SLAM! Wrestling Reporter:
CHRIS JERICHO versus TRIPLE H
When these two fine athletes come together, you're guaranteed a first-class match. However, the only problem I see with this clash for the WWF/WCW unified strap is that Jericho is the 'heel' and 'Tripper is the 'face'. Wrestlemania being staged in Canada could very well mean that the wrestlers' roles are reversed. I guess it's Survivor Series '97 over again! Triple H will come out the victor, most likely after one of Steph's devious plans backfires.
Prediction: Winner and new WWF/WCW unified champ Triple H
"HOLLYWOOD" HULK HOGAN versus THE ROCK
This year's main event at Wrestlemania is of a rare substance when put into context. Amazingly, these two have never met in the squared circle,AeP the same couldn't be said for the top of the bill encounters at 'Mania in recent years (i.e. Rock vs. Austin). Furthermore, this match sees the coming together of two eras- the 'old school' ala Hogan and the 'new generation' ala The Rock. The public will predict The Rock, I say let 'em. Hogan goes 'over' after some little help from his fellow black & white compatriots. Prediction: Hogan via pinfall
SCOTT HALL versus STEVE AUSTIN
A battle which would've been best served taking place about 3 years back. Nevertheless, this bout captures your attention on so many levels. Many questions still linger: can Austin continue his Wrestlemania hot-streak? Will Hall come mentally prepared? What affect, if any will the nWo members have?
All pointers leading in suggest Austin will come out victorious. I tend to agree.
Prediction: Austin via pinfall
AARON HENRY, SLAM! Wrestling Reporter:
CHRIS JERICHO versus TRIPLE H
There is much buzz around the Internet about the possible conspiracy in ousting Y2J from the Undisputed Champion pedestal. Triple H will take this match no matter which way you slice, but I gander there being some funny business happening at ringside from the woman with the most lethal scream in the world. One thing is for certain, I am 100% sure Bobby "The Brain" Heenan won't be getting involved.
"HOLLYWOOD" HULK HOGAN versus THE ROCK
It's the battle of who is the most entertaining man in sports entertainment history. It's the People's champ versus the vitamin advocate. It's one on one, as long as Hogan doesn't ride a semi or use his nWo resources, thus giving The Rock the upper hand in this match. The Leg Bomb will be no match for the People's Elbow with The Rock winning in an entertaining style.
SCOTT HALL versus STEVE AUSTIN
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin Versus Scott Hall - Austin got in Hall's head when he hog tied him to the chair a couple weeks back. But I am sure this Outsider will not go at it alone, which can only mean Nash will use all avenues to help his brother. However, the beer drinking bad boy, Asutin, will easily win this match. Hall's most powerful attack is the Razor's Edge, but it's no match for the Stone Cold Stunner.
TIM WOOD, SLAM! Wrestling Reporter:
CHRIS JERICHO versus TRIPLE H
Three short words : new World champion. Despite being away for many, many
months, Triple-H has returned with more heat than Jericho has managed to
attain in his entire time as champion. In fact, HHH's absence from the sport
has only served to make the hearts of the fans grow fonder. It's difficult
to say which is the greater factor here - Jericho's failure to retain any
shadow of popularity since becoming champ, or the popularity infused into
Triple-H since his return as the strongest face I've seen in awhile.
Triple-H to score the pinfall after the "Pedigree" somewhere around the
thirty-five minute mark.
"HOLLYWOOD" HULK HOGAN versus THE ROCK
Despite The Rock's less-than-admirable Wrestlemania showing over the years,
I cannot for the life of me imagine why the WWF would choose to put Hogan
over. Still, it remains a tough call, simply because they might. The NWO's
popularity since they've regrouped is pretty good, but to put them over the
number one guy in the company with Hogan seems downright silly. In the end,
this is your changing of the guard match, with the star of the 80's against
the star of today. In a close one -- and a very bad match -- I'm going to
actually go with Hogan in a screwjob finish. May God have mercy upon my
soul, and I hope I'm wrong.
SCOTT HALL versus STEVE AUSTIN
Why has Scott Hall failed to impress the fans since his return? Out of the
original NWO members, he was always my favourite. Nevertheless, Austin's
popularity as the biggest badass in the company will carry him over Hall,
despite interference from Nash, and I look for Austin to knock Hall out with
the Stunner sometime early -- say ten minutes. And I'm giving 5-1 odds
there'll be beer drinking, a Lou Thesz press, and at least one "bird"
flipped.
DONNIE ABREU, SLAM! Wrestling Reporter:
CHRIS JERICHO versus TRIPLE H
I know that most everyone has jumped on the Jericho band wagon, but I'm sorry n I still don't see it. Transition champion. Plain and simple. Granted he's had it longer than most others who have been handed that label, but that's part of the WWF's desperate attempt to get him over as a believable heavyweight. Heis NOT larger than life - he's barely larger than Michael Cole. I think Jericho could be there eventually, but he needs to crank up the intensity and concentrate on wrestling like a heel. Lose Stephanie and lose the Disco Inferno pants. Triple H will win this round and win over the crowd who will likely be split 50/50 going in. This could be the match of the night. WINNER: Triple H
"HOLLYWOOD" HULK HOGAN versus THE ROCK
I have had various thoughts about this match. First of all, Hogan WILL be cheered like it's nobody's business, as he ALWAYS is in Toronto. Not to mention the fact that Diamond Dallas Page once said 'Toronto LOVES heels - HATES faces'. That was Page's comment after the Toronto episode of Nitro where he faced Hogan. Page the face, was booed and dismissed while Hogan received cheers he hadnit heard since Wrestlemania 6. That being said - I doubt the WWF took Hogan's popularity into consideration when booking this match. The truck incident, the pinfall loss on RAW n everything indicates that The Rock will hand Hogan his second Wrestlemania loss (both coming in Toronto). WINNER: The Rock
SCOTT HALL versus STEVE AUSTIN
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin Versus Scott Hall. I really really want Scott Hall to win this match - but it's not going to happen. Why would you have Austin drop a match to guy who is a ticking time bomb, and may not even be in your company by the time the next pay per view rolls around. WINNER: Austin
CHRIS GRAMLICH, SLAM! Wrestling Reporter:
CHRIS JERICHO versus TRIPLE H
Like it or not (and how can you not love it?), this is the real main event.
Two excellent wrestlers (students of the game, if you will) at the top of
their "game," going head to head. After a rather slow start, Chris Jericho
has made the transition to top-flight heeldom (something he showed
unequivocally he could do in WCW and with his entrance to the WWF) and
Triple H is so over since his return that it seems like a lifetime ago that
he was hitting people with sledgehammers and running down the fans. Still,
there's no question that the build-up for this match has suffered from both
the NWO's emergence and the nonsensical angles; who's H3 going after again,
Jericho or Stephanie? Anyway, despite a rather sluggish build up, there is
no doubt that this has the potential to be a great match, possibly one for
the ages, as both H3 and Jericho are two of the best wrestlers in the "game"
today. When Jericho won the undisputed title, many pegged him as a
transition champion, but the WWF did a smart thing and left the belt on him,
despite the temptation to hotshot it to Rock or Austin. And while many
figure that H3 will get the belt at Wrestlemania, it would be much more
compelling for Jericho to retain and actually have H3 chase him, not
Stephanie. However, if I know the WWF, they will probably give the belt to
H3, which isn't a bad thing, but it just could have been built up so much
more and the payoff so much bigger. Regardless, I believe, and you must
believe something, that this will be the best match on the card and that it
might possibly be one of the best Wrestlemania matches in years, look for H3
to win the title.
"HOLLYWOOD" HULK HOGAN versus THE ROCK
The marketing of this match is just a little insulting, to put it mildly. I
know selling any product is based upon exaggeration and hyperbole, but
saying that the outcome of this match will determine the greatest of all
time is ludicrous. The fact is that neither of these two would be considered
the greatest of their era, let alone of all time, by any knowledgeable
wrestling fan. However, there is no arguing that both these stars are
massively influential and popular, and the fact remains that Hogan did more
to popularise wrestling in the '80s and usher in the sports entertainment
aesthetic (as Hogan never could wrestle) than Rock has, at least so far,
"Scorpion King" be damned. Still, saying that a match between an athlete in
the dark, dark twilight years of his career and an athlete in his prime can
determine anything is stretching it and the quality of the match will surely
support this notion. If Hogan's wrestling appearance on Raw was any
indication, it seems unlikely that the Rock (and probably anyone, save maybe
Flair, Michaels or Hart, in their primes) can have a good match with Hogan,
and even if the Rock was capable of carrying an opponent to a good match
(which he hasn't demonstrated an ability to do), Hogan looks to be long past
being carried by anyone. So yeah, this match will probably huff mad donkey
dongs, and there's no doubt that their verbal confrontations will surely
surpass the actually match, but call it nostalgia, there's something about
Hogan and Wrestlemania that seems somehow magical and timeless (or I could
be getting old). Maybe, just maybe, if the stars align just right, maybe the
Rock and Hogan can put together something halfway decent for old time's
sake, at least before the run-in NWO ending.
SCOTT HALL versus STEVE AUSTIN
It seems criminal to me that Hall has never been a heavyweight champ, never
wins the really big matches and yet is one of the best big men around, when
he wants to be. His rather public personal problems aside, if you remember
the initial NWO angle in WCW, Hall was the catalyst, and was matched against
WCW's upper echelon, but would never win clean (neither would Nash, for that
matter), if at all. It always seems that as good as Hall was, and is (being
the best of the NWO currently), that the "powers that be" don't think it is
believable for him to win the big match on his own. And remember, when Hall
beat Michaels in that ladder match, both were relatively at the same level.
Still, with Hogan barely able to stand without help and Nash needing an
opponent who works well with a big man to have a decent match, Hall will be
the workhorse for the NWO, at least until the defections from the WWF start,
hopefully at Wrestlemania. That being said, his current feud with Austin may
be a case of too much too soon, sure Hall can have a good match with Austin,
even if Austin is looking more and more broke down each month, but there is
no way in hell Hall gets a clean victory, if a victory at all. A more likely
scenario is a run-in NWO ending with Austin getting the beatdown. your company by the time the next pay per view rolls around. WINNER: Austin
ROSS WILLIAMS, SLAM! Wrestling Guest Columnist:
CHRIS JERICHO versus TRIPLE H
The last time a feud involved a dog, it led to the Big Bossman vs Al Snow in
Mick Foley's favourite match ever, the Kennel from Hell bout. This feud is
different - it has two dogs involved. Everyone seems to be expecting Triple
H to pick up the win and the belts when Steph double crosses Jericho and,
since Steph *is* head of the writing team and since she *is* knocking off
Tripper and since that *would* put the two of them back on top together (and
knock Jericho back into the mid-card), I suspect that it is exactly what
will happen.
Winner: Triple H.
"HOLLYWOOD" HULK HOGAN versus THE ROCK
As chronicled in my recent article, what I think will happen and what I
think should happen are two completely different things. The match will be
moderate at best, of this, there can be no doubt. However, strong crowd
reaction should make it an extremely interesting bout. Since the WWF has
heavily promoted Hogan's return to action in the press and mentioned that
"the event will be built around Hogan", you would think that he'll go over,
but I'll buck the trend and say that the Rock will be picking up the win
(after an interference-fest). Why? Sadly, good promotion for The Scorpion
King.
Winner: The Rock
SCOTT HALL versus STEVE AUSTIN
Sense would dictate that Austin should hand Hall his ass but that would make
the nWo look like absolute pansies should the Rock drop Hogan, so I think I
shall have to pick "Stone Cold Sober" Scott Hall here. At the very least,
they'll probably use the "you haven't jobbed at WM since '97" excuse on
Austin...
Winner: Scott Hall
JON WALDMAN, SLAM! Wrestling Reporter:
CHRIS JERICHO versus TRIPLE H
Chris who? Oh right, he's the champion.
Seems Jericho is becoming more and more forgettable in
this match, as Stephanie "Triple D" McMahon is
becoming the main opposer to Triple H. Jericho is
simply her henchman, but not in the old-fashioned,
Heenan-gets-wrestler X-to-destroy-Hogan henchmen
style. This is about Stephanie giving herself as much
airtime as possible, while at the same time
downplaying Jericho's abilities to actually defeat
Helmsley.
The match will be good, no question. The two have put
together classics in their past battles, but Stephanie
will interject too much. Expect Triple H to finally
pedigree Steph, but I look for Jericho to go over in
this one, after abandoning Steph.
"HOLLYWOOD" HULK HOGAN versus THE ROCK
The battle of legends! The Hollywood Brawl!
Call it whatever you want, but this match is the
single most over-hyped match since Hogan/Warrior a
couple years back (coincidence that Hogan was involved
in each; or conspiracy...).
I don't like this match at all. First off, we have
Hogan, a guy who is a good 10 years past his prime,
against The Rock, who has been in and out of ring
action for a few months now. Methinks we will not see
a Steamboat/Savage classic from these two, especially
considering the fact that Hogan is not likely to take
several of the bumps required to work a Rocky match
(belly to belly throw, spinebuster etc.). Second, if
you are having a match between the two
most-influential, legendary wrestlers of the modern
era, then it should be Hogan against Austin, or if you
want the rock involved, have it be a 4 way with those
3 and Flair.
The match, inevitably, will be a terrible one, with
The Rock going over after much outside shenanigans.
SCOTT HALL versus STEVE AUSTIN
Shouldn't there be a drinking game attached to this
one?
This one has been pretty-well hyped, but as previously
mentioned, Austin should be in the top bout. Hall is
third-in-line in terms of the nWo pecking order, and
truly beneath Austin.
That being said, the two will put on a semi-decent
match. While the fans will want Austin to go over,
Hall will likely get the duke with Nash's help. If the
nWo goes 0 for 2, then the faction will look
incredibly weak.
Undercard Matches and Predictions
|
Match |
Ron
Hutchison |
John Molinaro |
Bob Kapur |
Nick Tylwalk |
Mike Altamura |
Aaron Henry |
Tim Wood |
Donnie Abreu |
Chris Gramlich |
Ross Williams |
Jon Waldman |
John Powell |
RVD Versus William Regal |
RVD |
RVD |
Regal |
RVD |
RVD |
RVD |
RVD |
RVD |
RVD |
RVD |
RVD |
RVD |
Ric Flair Versus UT |
UT |
Flair |
UT |
UT |
UT |
Flair |
UT |
UT |
Flair |
UT |
UT |
Flair |
Billy, Chuck Versus APA Versus Hardy Boys Versus Dudley Boys |
APA |
APA |
APA |
Dudley Boys |
Dudley Boys |
Dudley Boys |
Hardy Boys |
Hardy Boys |
Dudley Boys |
Dudley Boys |
Dudley Boys |
Hardy Boys |
Jazz Versus Lita Versus Trish |
Did you have any doubt that I was going to pick...
TRISH!
|
Who cares? |
Lita |
Lita |
Trish |
Lita |
Jazz |
Trish |
Lita |
Trish |
Trish |
Trish |
Kane Versus Kurt Angle |
Angle |
Angle |
Kane |
Angle |
Angle |
Kane |
Angle |
Angle |
Angle |
Angle |
Angle |
Angle |
Edge Versus Booker T. |
In my totally unbiased
opinion
...EDGE! |
Edge |
Edge |
Edge |
Edge |
Booker T. |
Booker T. |
Edge |
Edge |
Edge |
Edge |
Edge |
Previous WrestleMania Reviews
WWF WrestleMania X8 will be broadcast live on pay-per-view and home satellite and is available in Canada on Viewer's Choice. Check with your local cable company for availability.
