Wrestlemania Review

1. Tag Team Match
Great opener. The Big Show proved to be the x-factor of the match. The Miz continues to score by increasing the number of Pay-per-view wins he's accumulated since Bragging Rights to 5 - Morrison has an 0-6 record going since his loss to Miz at Bragging Rights. Though Miz did not get the pinfall victory, he has a new entrance ring coat to go with his continued success as the Unified Tag Team and United States Champion. Great way to start off a hot pay-per-view.

2. Legacy
I knew Randy Orton would win but I wanted Cody Rhodes to walk out the winner with Orton giving him the punt to the head afterwards. Interesting to see where they go with this storyline. I said this one has everyone scratching their heads.

3. MITB
The shocker of the night Jack Swagger does the unthinkable, wins the golden (read: black) briefcase. I knew Swagger's commentary work proved Swagger was the star to watch going into the event. Matt Hardy's inability to unhook the briefcase - albeit unexpectedly - carried over into the final moments of the match storyline wise as Jack Swagger struggled also; but, he was finally able to get his hands on the guaranteed contract. Great to see the WWE not give up on Swagger. I thought Swagger was a great choice to be the one to walk out with the briefcase. Christian and McIntyre will be fighting each other soon enough. Everyone else is going back into obscurity in shuffling around each other for a spot on the next couple pay-per-views.

4. Triple H v Sheamus
Michael Cole kept selling the idea that even though Sheamus lost he proved his worthy as a main event superstar because of the match he had with Triple H. What I saw was Triple H become superhuman in one second and overpower Sheamus. This would have been a great thing to see a Rookie go over a Pro to promote a certain brand. Sheamus deserves a clean victory over a top star - perhaps Undertaker will lay for the Celtic Warrior?

5. CM Punk v. Rey Mysterio
Really fun back-and-forth match. I thought a Mysterio joining the Society would have been a good storyline to continue this feud. Now, we shall see if these two will continue to perform against each other with the next live events or not. Great use of the society members to help Mysterio win. Even though I wanted Punk, Mysterio did a good job.

6. Bret Hart v. Vince McMahon
I figured this match would be a squash. McMahon paid off every Hart Family member to beat his @$$. As soon as Bret got on the mic a swerve was to come. Great to see Vince let things go for the good of business. Fans ate it up and loved to see Bret Hart get his hands on Vince McMahon. The ending was predictable - the sharpshooter finish - but how they got there was interesting and something that gave closure to the Montreal Screwjob of 1997.

7. Chris Jericho v. Edge
I CALLED IT! I knew Chris Jericho was going to walk out of Wrestlemania XXVI with the World Heavyweight Championship intact. The Rated R Superstar and the Highlight Reel himself, Chris Jericho, put on one helluva match and did a great job in getting the crowd back into the action after the sour taste Bret Hart/Vince McMahon left behind. Edge was on point tonight - not to say Jericho wasn't - Edge seemed more determined and focused. Jericho's relaxed approach to the match showed as he became frustrated at the fact that Edge would not stay down. Once the referee was down for some time Jericho took advantage knocking Edge out with the World title and connecting with the Codebreaker, finally Jericho was able to celebrate - at a price, however. Edge's final spear on Chris Jericho was off the announcer's table and onto the barricade. Though the right man won, the other got the last laugh. Can't wait for the continuation of this feud.

8. Michelle McCool, Layla, Maryse, Alicia Fox, Vickie Guerrero v. Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres, Gail Kim, and Beth Phoenix.
I predicted that Vickie Guerrero would make her way into the spotlight and she did - paying homage to her deceased husband, the late Eddie Guerrero, Vickie Guerrero connected with a frog splash off the top rope and pinned Kelly Kelly. Guerrero has been one of the best heels the company has produced, because of this she gets the honor of winning it or her team athe the biggest stage. The rest of the Divas got a time to shine as they each hit their patented maneuvers on each other. The story's focus was on Pheonix and Simply Flawless. Look for Phoenix & Mickie James to team up against the Flawless ones.

9. John Cena v. Batista
The battle of the giants. Batista got the victory in the Summer and John Cena got the victory in the Spring. Their 1-1 and it was only right for John Cena to win at Wrestlemania since the entire time leading up to the event Batista has had the upperhand. And we all know when Cena is in a story where he has to overcome the odds - he does. So, this was predictable but it should continue the feud.

10. The Streak v. The Career
I'm a fan of both men and enjoy both their works. Though, the streak must never end. Shawn Michaels has had one heck of a career and I loved seeing it all go down. Thank you Shawn Michaels for a great ride and for putting on another great Wrestlemania match. Though, I think the 1st was still better - and that's not being biased because I was there live!

Overall Show: B+

Great hype for a pay-per-view that paid off. Great surprise victories for Showmiz, Jack Swagger, and even Vickie Guerrero. Still trying to figure out the Legacy storyline and where Sheamus will go. The final 6 men of the night did their best in winding down the latter part of an overall solid show. Can't wait for Raw. The next thing we have to look forward to is going to be the WWE Draft.

Prediction Record (5-5)
Correct: Undertaker, John Cena, Bret Hart, Showmiz, Chris Jericho
Wrong: Heel Divas, Jack Swagger, Triple H, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio

-I kNow This, Because I'm A Smark.

--
Alex Avila
Avila Productions
(510) 708-7266
wwfalex04@gmail.com
wwfalex04.blogspot.com

Wrestlemania Predictions

Also, I wrote them in the order I think they will be placed on the card. The Raw review and Smackdown reviews from the past two weeks I never finished. So, instead of filling this up with like 3 entries I'd rather just write one and here it is: My Wrestlemania XXVI predictions. Enjoy.

1. Money In The Bank
So, first lets eliminate all the fillers in the match that aren't winning. Matt Hardy, Kane, Evan Bourne, Shelton Benjamin, and Dolph Ziggler. That leaves MVP, Kofi Kingston, Drew McIntyre, Christian, and Jack Swagger as the top 5 candidates to win the contract. Kofi Kingston and Drew McIntyre's last minute addition to the match seem a bit odd and also makes me lower their odds of winning. MVP was given a program against The Miz to reclaim the US title to hold him off until tonight's match. MVP jobbed to the Miz all the time and maybe his reward is a briefcase? Jack Swagger was given the easiest contracted opponent to qualify, Santino Marella. Also, he was given a chance to put himself over on Raw with a guest commentary gig. He didn't fair to well and may have hurt his chances of being picked the winner. That leaves Christian. Everyone thought he would return at the Royal Rumble last year but he didn't. Then, everyone thought he would win this match last year, but he didn't. Now, everyone expects him to win the briefcase this time around - and I think he will. The finish to the 10 man tag this past friday on Smackdown makes me think Christian and McIntyre will work a program after the draft for both the briefcase and IC title.
Winner: Christian

2. Legacy Triple Threat
This match is one that has lots of people scratching their heads. The question remains, who will turn face: Randy Orton or Ted Dibiase? I've repeatedly stated that this will all be determined as to who Cody Rhodes sides with as he is the true x-factor in terms of where this storyline goes. Having Orton destroy these two men will kill any heat they have garnered over their time with Orton. Having Legacy destroy Orton will kill any heat Orton has going for him. What is the solution? Legacy double team Randy Orton until they both want to be the one that pins Orton. Legacy battle it out where Rhodes gets the upper hand. Orton jumps back into the match and helps Rhodes out. After an RKO on Dibiase, Rhodes hits the Crossroads on Orton and pins Dibiase for the surprise win.
Winner: Cody Rhodes

3. CM Punk v. Rey Mysterio
This storyline will be on the same level Chris Jericho and Rey Mysterio's was last year. Their series of battles for the Intercontinental Championship gave that title some missing prestige. This time around Mysterio enters Mania against the leader of the Straightedge Society. A perfect way to continue this storyline is by having Punk do the unthinkable, win and force Mysterio to be a part of the Society. Mysterio will eventually disobey his fearless leader and set up a rematch in which Mysterio will have to put his mask on the line if he wants to win his freedom from Punk's society. This feud has just started to pick up lots of heat and it'll be a waste to have Mysterio win the match and kill the momentum. Mysterio being a part of the Society gives the WWE something in which it will have viewers tune in to see how the newest member of the Straightedge Society handles his new role.
Winner: CM Punk

4. Triple H v. Sheamus
From the time that Triple H made reference to his Wrestlemania XII debut, I had a feeling that he would be putting Sheamus over. Triple H has nothing to prove in this match other than being able to end anything anyone is trying to start. But why write this match off just like that? Sheamus is out to prove that he was not a paper champion. He has been written that way but a clean win at Wrestlemania would elevate the Celtic Warrior into a legitimate threat to anyone on the roster. Also, Sheamus (the rookie) going over a veteran like Hunter (the pro) would be a great way to promote NXT and the WWE's new incentive of putting the young guys over (which also leads me to believe that McIntyre may actually win MITB and not Christian). I think this is where Sheamus steps up his A-game and finally gets a pinfall victory over another top WWE star. Besides, Triple H can destroy Sheamus and get his heat back on the next PPV.
Winner: Sheamus.              

5. Bret Hart v. Vince McMahon
This match has had a 13-year build up to it and will be this years shortest match. I do not see this match going beyond 15 minutes as we're talking about Bret Hart coming back to wrestle. If Bret Hart can do it, thank you bret!!; however, it does not seem likely he will. With that said, Bret's payday will come in the form of McMahon either passing out to the sharpshooter - alá Stone Cold - or just tapping out to the sharpshooter for Bret's final (maybe) in-ring victory in the WWE.
Winner: Bret Hart

6. Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres, Gail Kim, Beth Phoenix, Mickie James v. Michelle McCool, Maryse, Vickie Guerrero, Layla, Alicia Fox
The face Divas go over. This will be the cool down period after everyone has gotten their rocks off at the fact that Bret Hart was just wrestling. This also leads into another high profiled match and finally the main events. This storyline's focus is on Beth Phoenix and Vickie Guerrero. Mickie James does make her return - which means a triple threat looms between James, McCool, and Phoenix. Guerrero though will excuse her way into the spotlight this night by falling prey to the Phoenix.
Winners: Face Divas (Beth Phoenix)

7. Showmiz v. R-Truth & John Morrison
During this match the storyline to look at is not the Unified Tag Team Championship, nor the Tag Team feud that has been going on as of late. The story lies between the former World Tag Team Champions, John Morrison & The Miz. The pattern as of late has seen The Miz gain a victory at consecutive pay-per-views since the Rumble. Even before then Morrison has been on the loosing end, though being showcased under brighter lights. Miz's team won at Survivor Series over Morrison. Morrison lost his IC title at TLC, Miz was not on the card. At the Rumble, Miz scored a pinfall victory while not lasting more than a minute in the actual match itself. Morrison on the other hand was given ample time with a bunch of future stars. At the Elimination Chamber, Miz got a victory over MVP again and Morrison lasted until the final 3 in the main event Chamber match. This tag team feud has the right amount of credibility to have these four man battle it out until after the draft, but who gets the Wrestlemania victory? The Miz - the man who has gone 3-0 in single matches? Or, John Morrison - the man that has been getting plenty of Main Event rubs while going 0-3 in the matches he's been featured in. Morrison is the Friday Night Delight, not the Sunday Night Delight. Miz has the Big Show - kayfabe wise this is more an advantage than Truth with Morrison. In the long run, the man that has the tougher road to get to where he is at will be the one with his first Wrestlemania victory.
Winner: Showmiz

8. Chris Jericho v. Edge
The men that were supposed to dominate the Tag Team division for the past year will be headlining Wrestlemania - well they'll be featured as one of the main events but the headlining will belong to John Cena & Batista - I hope not, it's just what I think will happen. These two have been going back and forth for some time now. How will this feud turn out? No one knows yet but what I do know is that having this feud end tonight will not give it justice. These two men are great athletes in the ring and can for sure steal the show - hard to call since there are so many great matchups that can lay claim to that as well, we'll just have to wait and see. But, having Edge return and win the Royal Rumble almost guaranteed his victory at Wrestlemania. Enter Chris Jericho, the man that since returning to the WWE has been at the peak of his career. Do you reward Edge for missing 6 months of action with a Wrestlemania victory - he deserves it after stealing the show at Mania XXIV (yes, I believe Edge/Taker was way better than HBK/Flair)? Or, do you award a man that has transformed himself into one of the most hated men in professional wrestling? Tough call as both of these men represent what is left from the attitude days in terms of mid-carders turned main eventers. Both of these men have walked into the main even of Wrestlemania and have lost their championships. Tonight, I think Chris Jericho's Wrestlemania moment is etched in history with his cheating victory over Edge tonight.
Winner: Chris Jericho

9. Shawn Michaels v. The Undertaker
This is the other most anticipated rematch on the card tonight. Will we see the end of Undertaker's undefeated streak or will HBK's career be laid to rest? No matter who Undertaker faces, the streak will never end. With that said, HBK will retire officially tomorrow night on Raw but tonight he gets his final match against The Phenom. Thank you Shawn Michaels.
Winner: The Undertaker

10. Batista v. John Cena
One of the most anticipated rematches on tonight's card comes in the form of the two stars that have defined the post-Attitude era. The Animal and The Champ will square off no the grandest stage of them all. The last time these two fought Batista shined more and that was when he was a face (what does that tell you about John Cena? -- maybe nothing). But, this time we have a full fledge heel, a world title up for grabs, and we have the sueprbowl of wrestling as the platform where these two men will throw it down. The story has been set: Batista can destroy John Cena - as has been the case for the past month or so. The story will be defined at Wrestlemania - look for WWE's golden boy to overcome all the odds (I'm really getting tired of this story for him too) and win the WWE Championship again. This doesn't end the feud, however. Look for Batista to recapture the title at Over the Limit or whatever the next pay-per-view is.
Winner: John Cena

--
Alex Avila
Avila Productions
(510) 708-7266
wwfalex04@gmail.com
wwfalex04.blogspot.com

UPDATES!

I went to RAW last Monday with special host Steve Austin, that was really fun. The kids sitting in front of me were fun to mess around with. Live crowds are so much better than sitting at home watching TV by yourself, sad I know. Whatevs. Anway, I have a review I have been meaning to write up regarding last week but instead I'm going to combine it with this weeks Raw since they both were mediocre at best (and still get better ratings than TNA!) but served their function of hyping up the Super Bowl of wrestling.

Also, I'm working on a double Smackdown review with this past week's Smackdown and this week's coming up. That should be done (hopefully) Friday night if not Saturday.

Finally, my Wrestlemania predictions and thoughts will be up Saturday/Sunday but before the PPV. So I can see how I did.

Wrestlemania review will be up a week from Sunday. I missed the Elimination Chamber review but thought that was a well executed event.

-I kNow This, Because I'm A Smark

--
Alex Avila
Avila Productions
(510) 708-7266
wwfalex04@gmail.com
wwfalex04.blogspot.com

Smackdown Recap 3-13-10

SMACKDOWN

Todd Grisham: Two weeks away from Wrestlemania!!

Matt Striker: [GRAPHIC] Highleet Reel returns for the first time in 2 years with special guest EDGE!

Rey Mysterio and his family make their way to the ring. Mysterio gets on the mike. Mysterio talks about the WWE Universe and how he travels a lot and sometimes parents don't get to see much. His daughter Aaliyah turns 9 and wanted to celebrate it with his extended family, the WWE Universe. Mysterio and the WWE Universe begin to sing Happy Birthday.

CM Punk, Luke Gallows, and Serena -- The Straightedge Society make their entrance and head towards the ring.

CM Punk finishes off Aaliyah's birthday song and points out that he notices Mysterio's fear. Punk assures Mysterio that he is not there to hurt his family and is happy that Mysterio's family can be together with Punk's family. Punk challenges Mysterio to a match at Wrestlemania; however, he would also like a match...right now. Punk directs his attention to each one of Mysterio's family members to psyche Mysterio out. Punk calls Mysterio a coward in front of everyone. Punk questions Mysterio's masculinity and even drops to his knees to be at Mysterio's height. Mysterio gets slapped and instead of defending himself he leaves with his family. Punk tells the WWE Universe to look at their hero. Punk, then, sings to Aaliyah an un-interrupted Happy Birthday song.

~commercials~

Todd Grisham and Matt Striker recount what transpired and tag it as being a despicable act by CM Punk.

1/2 WWE Unified Tag Team Champion & United States Champion The Miz and NXT Rookie Daniel Bryan make their entrance

RAW RECAP: Showmiz v. R-Truth and John Morrison

The Miz wonders if R Truth and John Morrison can really come to Raw and show them up. Miz says that at Wrestlemania XXVI Showmiz will show why they are the best tag team remaining in the WWE.

R-Truth and NXT Rookie David Otunga make their entrance

The Miz v. R-Truth

R Truth gets the early advantage and sends Miz outside. After hitting a cross body we go to commercials. Back from commercials and The Miz has the advantage. They go back and forth - the focus of the match is the story being told by Matt Striker and John Grisham. Striker speaks about Miz's jealousy of John Morrison because of he got a DVD and Miz didn't. Grisham mentions Truth's elimination of The Big Show at the Royal Rumble and how he would like to get another leg up on the Big Show by beating him at Wrestlemania. The focus shifts back to the wrestling as Miz tries to cheat his way to victory by putting his legs on the ropes; but, NXT Rookie Daniel Bryan knocks them off distracting The Miz. Truth has time to outsmart Miz and hit The Lie Detector for the pinfall victory.
Winner via pin: R-Truth

~commercials~

WRESTLEMANIA PROMO: Undertaker v. Shawn Michaels followed by a Wrestlemania card run down.

BACKSTAGE SEGMENT

Teddy Long speaks with Drew McIntyre about his third qualifying match for the Money In The Bank match at Wrestlemania . McIntyre is please to know that Long's boss exponged his record and is still the undefeated Intercontinental champion. Long makes tonight's MITB qualifier an Intercontinental title defense as well.

GRAPHIC: Kane v. Luke Gallows w/Straightedge Society

CUE THE WWE Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre heads to the ring.

Drew McIntyre v. Aaron Bolo

McIntyre makes quick work of the local jobber that got an opportunity of a lifetime by vying for the Intercontinental championship. McIntyre gets an easy way into Wresltemania with the help of the chairman of the WWE - who hand picked his opponent. McIntyre hits The Future DDT and becomes the ninth entrant into this years Money In The bank.
Winner via pinfall: Drew McIntyre

BACKSTAGE SEGMENT: BIG SHOW WALKS TO RING

1/2 WWE Tag Team Champions Big Show makes his entrance followed by "The Guru of Greatness" John Morrison

Big Show v. John Morrison

Big Show dominates John Morrison throughout the match due to his larger size. It is not until Morrison is able to kick away at the Big Show to keep him at bay. Morrison comes off the ropes with a missile dropkick to knock the big man down to the mat. After a two count, Morrison comes off the ropes and whacks Big Show in the face with a knee-to-the-face. However, Morrison small stature was no match for the Big Show as Show takes the win for his team and evens the score for the night.
Winner via pinfall: Big Show

BACKSTAGE SEGMENT

Teddy Long introduces Tiffany as a new WWE Diva to the Smackdown brand. Tiffany asks about Mickie James' knee injury, Teddy Long says that she is recovering and that a knee injury is something that will have to take time to heel. Enter Vickie Guerrero. Guerrero is jealous of Tiffany thinking Tiffany is there to take Guerrero's job. Long assures Guerrero that Tiffany is only on Smackdown to compete against the other WWE Divas. Guerrero laughs at the thought of Tiffany competing and puts her in a match against WWE Women's Champion Michelle McCool.

The Hart Dynasty stand in the ring awaiting the entrance of Cryme Tyme for their 300th Tag team match.

The Hart Dynasty v. Cryme Tyme

As quickly as this match starts it ends. Tyson Kidd goes to work on JTG's leg, ramming it into the steel post and applying a hard-looking boston leg crab on him. Right when it looks as if JTG may tap out an infamous GONG is heard. The lights turn off. When they turn back on The Undertaker is standing tall in the middle of the ring. He knocks out Kidd and hammers down David Hart Smith. As Shad attends to his tag partner he turns and walks into a chokeslam from the Deadman. Taker follows this up with a Last Ride Powerbomb on Kidd, a Tombstone Piledriver on Smith, and finally a Hells Gate submission on an reeling JTG.

~commercials~

WRESTLEMANIA PROMO: Batista and John Cena followed by a promotion of Monday Night Raw and the Wrestlemania rewind matches lined up for Monday. Also, the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin.

WWE Women's Champion Michelle McCool and her Simply Flawless teammates Vickie Guerrero and Layla make their entrance. Tiffany makes her long awaited in-ring debut to battle the Women's Champion.

Michelle McCool v. Tiffany

Michelle McCool taunts Tiffany once the bell sounds, to which Tiffany doesn't take too lightly. After a bit more of taunting Tiffany finally focuses here anger onto McCool. After a quick beatdown on McCool inside the ring McCool rolls to the outside where it is to her disadvantage as Tiffany follows suit and continues to beat down McCool, this time using the ring mat and the barricade as weapons to wear down McCool. After going all around the ring Guerrero finally had enough and charges at Tiffany tackling her. Simply Flawless begin a 3-on-1 assault onto a helpless Tiffany in the ring until The Glamazon makes the save. She takes out Layla and McCool and clotheslines Guerrero to the mat. Phoenix chases the Diva heels away.
Winner via DQ: Tiffany

Kane makes his way to the ring to battle the First Disciple of the Straightedge Society Luke Gallows

Kane v. Luke Gallows

A throw-away match turns into a hype segment for Wrestlemania. Kane's focus is on Money In The Bank (again) while Luke Gallows is out there to show off his strength. A short match features Kane taking control of most of the match with Gallows getting a good enough amount of offense to show that he is not a weak link in the Straightedge Society. CM Punk has enough and makes his presence felt as he attacks Kane. Punk connects with the GTS on the Big Red Machine. Before Punk can continue the assault, Rey Mysterio makes his way, slowly, to the ring. Punk awaits and is wanting to get his hands on Mysterio just as much as Mysterio to Punk. Punk goes to the outside and Mysterio follows and they begin to throw punches at each other with no end in sight. The referees pull away Mysterio as Punk runs away.

GRAPHIC: Highleet Reel left.

~commercials~

World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho presents the Highlight Reel with special guest The Rated R Superstar, Edge. Jericho and Edge talk about their historical Wrestlemania moment.s Jericho talks about how when he battled the likes of Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 19 Edge was at home injured. Also, that at Wrestlemania 20 he was also on the card whereas Edge was still out. Edge reminded Jericho that he lost both times first to Michaels and then to Christian. Edge says the reason he gets injured is because he takes risks at Wrestlemania's. Edge recounted his historic spear on Jeff Hardy and his spear on Mick Foley through a flaming table. Edge says that his risks have taken years off his career but his next Wrestlemania moment will be making Chris Jericho an ex-World Heavyweight Champion. Edge gets the audience involved by having them remind him the name of the move that Edge keeps hitting on Jericho, the spear. As the crowd chants Jericho takes a cheap shot with the mike. Edge regroups and gets the upper hand until Jericho knocks out Edge with the World Heavyweight Championship as Edge tried to hit the spear. Afterwards Jericho gets on the mike and says one word: "Spear!".

End Show.

Overall Show: B

--
Alex Avila
Avila Productions
(510) 708-7266
wwfalex04@gmail.com
wwfalex04.blogspot.com