The Road to Wrestlemania

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With the Royal Rumble over it's Wrestlemania season.

  • The Elimination Chamber match participants for the WWE title main event were announced. Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, R-Truth, Chris Jericho, and of course CM Punk.
  • Sheamus reminded everyone that he won the Royal Rumble
  • Randy Orton beat Dolph Ziggler while Wade Barrett looked on from his skybox (because he's a gentleman street brawler you know)
  • Chris Jericho interfered in a match between Daniel Bryan and CM Punk. Cost Punk the match then hit him with a Codebreaker.
  • William Regal keeps his conjoined twin daughters locked in an attic. :rofl: WWE needs to make him an announcer.
  • The Funkasarous added a Disco Ball and got new outfits for Naomi and Cameron. Continues to squash
  • With R-Truth on commentary Kofi Kingston defeated the Miz.
  • Divas Champion Beth Phoenix defended her title against a highly distraught Eve, still broken up over what Kane did to Zack Ryder at the previous Raw and the Royal Rumble. Which led to...
  • Kane appeared on the tron, told Eve that what happened to Zack was because John Cena refuses to give into the hate, and he would continue attacking Zack and Eve until Cena gives in. This leads to Kane about to attack Eve until the Dr. of Thuganomics ran down to the ring and proceeded to tear the shit out of Kane, forcing him to flee through the crowd.
  • Executive Vice President of Talent Relations & Interim General Manager of Monday Night Raw John Laurinaitis was about to get relieved of his duties as Interim Raw GM by Triple H when a familiar church bell rang through the Arena. The lights dimmed and the Undertaker came out and stared at HHH and the Wrestlemania sign before making his "you're a dead man" move to Triple H. The Game responded by putting his hand on the Deadman's shoulder before leaving the ring.

I included spoiler tags because I figured some people might have taped it or something. Pretty good show. It seemed light on matches but other than the bi-weekly "Brodus squashes a jobber" and Diva match, every match was entertaining. That said I don't watch the Diva matches for the wrestling, though it's a little frustrating when the entrances take longer than the match.
 
I dunno, I'm not crazy about a HHH/Taker rematch. Last year's was a good match, but it wasn't good enough to warrant a second, in my opinion. Plus, I'm afraid HHH's ego will have him beat Taker.

Also, given the lack of decent build up for Rock/Cena, I find myself not as excited as I expected myself to be last year.

But then, there's Punk/Jericho to look forward to, now. And potentially Bryan/Seamus, which should be good.
 
Though it's easily overlooked (as they fail to mention it ever happened..) Triple H and Taker fought once before at Wrestlemania X-7, but this was during the "American Badass" Taker, which I personally found a little forgettable..

So this will be Taker/HHH III... while it was a good match last year, I really don't think it deserved another go round..

Here's how I would have done Taker's 20th win:

He doesn't come back before Mania.
During Wrestlemania, have a heel not scheduled in a match come out and cut a promo about how they should be on the card/main event (I'm looking at Miz/Wade Barrett/Christian [if he healed..])
Have said heel demand a match at Wrestlemania, it doesn't matter against who, because they'll beat them anyways!
*Gongs*
*Tombstones*
*Cheers*
20-0

You can't deny how humorous it would be to see that happen, and it's a nice easy way to get Taker to that twentieth win.
I mean, come on.. While Taker can still move around, we can tell he's no spring chicken these days..

Still, I'm looking forward to the way the championship scenes are playing out towards Wrestlemania. Am I the only one that felt that there's a lack of star power in the Raw Chamber match though?
 
It will be Sheamus vs Undertaker at Wrestlemania. He forfeits his title shot for a shot at the streak.
 
Sheamus is viewed by many as being the next man to carry the company. He is good on the mike, in the ring and most importantly is well liked by Vince, Steph and HHH. He got left off last years Mania and didn't complain, just took it and worked even harder. Resulting in getting rewarded for his work. Getting the rub from Taker is since as the last feather for him. There is little to gain from him facing either champ right now. Bryan needs to develop into the new 4H Flair, and he can't do that without retaining at chamber and mania.

My line up so far for mania is
Rock vs Cena
Kane vs Ryder
Sheamus vs Taker
Punk vs Jericho
Bryan vs Big Show
Orton vs Barret
 
You know, if they did go with Sheamus/Taker...and Sheamus won? I think I'd be okay with that. He's definitely a guy who has a passion for the business and has a bright future ahead of him. I bet Taker would be honoured to lay down for Sheamus.
 
I think the UT/HHH match will end with both laid out in the ring neither being able to continue no clear winner. UT carries a lot of stroke backstage and has said he'd be willing to give up his streak to promote young talent. It wouldn't benefit either if HHH ended the streak other than an ego thing for HHH. This will probably be UT's last match, though. He hasn't seen any action since last Wrestlemania due to injuries. Before that he would take months off at a time to let his body heal up for a one or two month comeback. Vince rewards loyalty and UT has been loyal. I think it will be UT's decision on how he wants the match to end.
Punk Jericho match would be great. Not a fan of the feud with Bryan and the large guys. They just can't do much to showcase his talent and the matches are boring to watch.
 
Henry is out with injuries for now, so it's just the Big Show for Bryan to deal with. I think they might actually pull off a roll switch after mania and turn Henry face and Show heel.

As to the chamber matches, I like them. They continue the trend of promoting new stars as the herd of veterans thins out.

Tell me a Punk, Cena, Kane, Jericho, Orton, Big Show chamber match wouldn't stagnate the fed.

And Miz...WTF? Huge push last year, this year xpac heat...
 
So Smackdown was good, but nothing really Wrestlemania based.

  • Mark Henry touches Theodore Long, gets indefinitely suspended. He's about to make it worth his while when Sheamus comes out and bro kicks him.
  • Sheamus says he won't pick a title to face until after Elimination Chamber.
  • Cody Rhodes loses a match to Sheamus who debuted a new finisher.
  • Dashing Cody Rhodes interferes in Justin Gabriels match against Hunico, causing the Great Khali to come to his rescue.
  • Elimination Chamber match participants to win the World Heavyweight Championship: Big Show, Cody Rhodes, Wade Barrett, Randy Orton, The Great Khali, and of course Daniel Bryan.
  • Santino and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan lost to Tag Team Champion's Epico and Primo.
  • Beth Phoenix and Natalya defeat Tamina and Aksana. Looks like the Glamazon will be breaking up with Natalya soon.
  • Randy Orton defeats Wade Barrett in a no disqualification match. Daniel Bryan told by Teddy Long that he has a match against him next week, so he goes out to the ring and celebrates while Orton is out on the turnbuckle with a WTF look on his face.
 


Great Raw last night.

  • Triple H refuses to face the Undertaker at Wrestlemania
  • You are a wannabe.
  • Undertaker cut a promo on how he was upset with his performance last year, and is going to make it right
  • Daniel Bryan is "still a Vegan and still the World Heavyweight champion," after losing to Big Show by countout.
  • You are a wannabe.
  • Sheamus squashes Otunga
  • Randy Oton and Great Khali teamed against Wade Barrett and Cody Rhodes. Orton began his 5 moves of doom only to get tagged out by the Great Khali before the RKO.
  • You are a wannabe.
  • With the RKO already loaded the Apex Predator hits it against the Great Khali after the match. Because the Viper doesn't give a shit what side you're on.
  • Y2J comes out and explains his actions. He's tired of everyone just being a wannabe Chris Jericho. Especially CM Punk who claims to be the best in the world when everyone knows that Jeritroll is the best in the world at everything he does.
  • CM Punk comes out to confront Jericho. Says nothing but drops the microphone and raises his WWE Championship belt, before walking out. Best segment of the night.
  • The Divas had a match, and looked good doing it. Possible Tamina/Beth Phoenix feud coming.
  • 6 Pack challenge between the contestants of the Raw Elimination Chamber match. Winner will be the last participant to enter. Miz horribly botched and failed to catch R-Truth when he flipped out of the ring. Everyone else looked good in the match. Punk hit the GTS on Dolph Ziggler and went for the pin. Jericho pulls him out of the ring on the 2 count, throws him over the announcer table and steals the pin.
  • You are a wannabe.
  • Kane threatening Eve backstage (what looked like the women's locker room) talking about how he's becoming afraid of what he might have to do if Cena can't embrace the hate.
 
Last friday on Smackdown:
  • Not much happened in regards to WrestleMania
  • A.J. returned, interviewed by Michal Cole, she yells at him for his commentary on Daniel Bryan
  • A.J. is now over
  • Michael Cole yells back.
  • The Big Show Daniel Bryan storyline continues to be the most soap-a-riffic angle going on in the WWE right now.
  • Beth Phoenix is probably going to be feuding with Tamina (daughter of Super-fly Snuka).
Also tonight on Raw both HBK Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker are scheduled to appear.
 
  • Kane promises that someone will wind up in an ambulance tonight
  • The great elimination chamber debate. R-Truth has my vote. I love Spider-stew
  • John Laurenaitsialdkjlsis Johnny Ace returns as Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and the Interim General Manager of Monday Night Raw.
  • Chris Jericho defeats Kofi Kingston with a thumb to the eye followed by a code breaker.
  • Zack Ryder shows up backstage to confess his love to Eve. Cena tells him to stay in his locker room so he'll be safe from Kane. He will fetch Eve for Zack.
  • HBK returns. HHH a corporate sellout?
  • Undertaker cuts his hair.
  • Big Show faces Randy Orton, who does his patented DDT on Big Show from the top rope. It was pretty impressive, but not the most amazing spot in the match. That would be...
  • When right after Big Show takes an RKO from Orton. Only problem is Orton never delivered one. Awkwardness all around.
  • R-Truth beat Dolph Ziggler (named after flipper!) when he caught him during his patented show-off situps.
  • Beth Phoenix will be facing Tamina Snuka for the Diva's Championship at Elimination Chamber.
  • Santino Garlic breath strips. Guaranteed to impress the ladies!
  • Rock has a promo, John Cena about to respond when screams coming from the ambulance
  • Cena stops Kane from taking Eve. In her gratitude she gives him a very passionate kiss.
  • Zack Ryder sees this! wheels away in his wheelchair
  • Eve tries to explain things to Zack, says she wants to be friends. #areyouseriousbro ?
  • Miz faces CM Punk in the main event. Miz taps to the Anaconda Vice
  • Poor Zack trends worldwide on twitter.
  • Cena comes out to the ring. States he will continue to be who he is and rise above the hate. Ryder hobbles down to the ring and slaps Cena. this leads the Professor of Thuganomics to take his shirt off and lunge at Zack before catching what he was doing.
  • While the Long Island Ice Z hobbles back to his wheelchair Kane appears on the Tron. States that Cena has embraced the hate, but he feeds on Hate.
  • Kane walks out on stage and throws Zack Ryder and his wheelchair off the side.
  • The show ends with referees, medical personnel, John Cena, and Eve Torres all surrounding the crumbled heap that is the Broski.
 
I love the little things, just going from Tamina to Tamina Snuka changes her character entirely. We all knew who she is, but by actually referencing it, it comes to the forefront so much stronger.
 
I can see him returning AT mania, setting up a feud with Cena. As far as which one will be heel, I haven't the slightest.

Either that, or hopefully somehow work a match with him and Kane at WM
 
He should still have his rematch clause for the US Championship. Against disappeared from TV Jack Swagger.

I doubt he'll wrestle at Mania, they've claimed "broken back." As much as I'd love to see him on the card there, I'd rather them not undersell the injury.
 
I am thinking run in or something that results in an argument with Cena at EC, resulting in Cena furthering the Ryder injury and turning him full heel.

Maybe some more Cena Eve action that might involve references to Cena's wife by Kane.
 
You know, I'm starting to realize that WWE has been happy just sitting on their laurels for the past few years. Case in point: Cena/Rock.

They had the opportunity to build this match for a whole year and they've completely wasted it. Last night on RAW, Cena said nothing different than he has in the past. Yes, it's a big match just for the names alone. And yes, it's bigger because it's at WrestleMania, but they're basically selling it on the name value alone, not building the match. Done properly, a year-long build would have had the fans salivating to see this match. Similar to El Generico/Kevin Steen in ROH or Taz/Sabu in ECW, they could have built this to the point the fans are rabid or almost rioting wanting to see the match. Instead, there's been not development to the story except for "Cena doesn't respect Rock because he left to make movies."

It's like CM Punk once said: Vince is a millionaire who should be a billionaire.
 
Went away this weekend still have last fridays smackdown, the elimination chamber, and last night's Raw to watch.

I don't blame the WWE for not promoting the match constantly (they've certainly never stopped mentioning it), I blame the Rock for being unavailable (or maybe the WWE for letting him keep a flexible schedule). Just like I don't blame Cena. It's tough to promote the match when you're opponent is unable to respond. You just come off as a bully (Rock at last years Wrestlemania).
 
I'm of the mind that Cena's promo was just right last night. He is closer to full heel than he has been in a very long time. His promo was spot on, not in content but in tone. His inflections and tone were perfect, he never came off as trying to by the shining knight who never knocks anyone, he came off as just plain pissed off and frustrated.

Shame on Barrett though.
 
Yeah, I had written the above without seeing Cena's promo yet. Having seen it, I take back part of what I said. He had that intensity and "fuck you" attitude that we haven't seen since his early heel days. Wish we saw that kind of fire more often from him.
 
Caught up on all but last nights Raw.

  • Elimination Chamber matches were great.
  • You know Eve is a hoeski when the Bella Twins think she was a bitch.
  • Cena destroyed Eve. It was glorious
  • Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett would make a good tag team, they work well together
  • Champion vs Champion on Smackdown with all the GM interference was great. Great match, great angle.
  • Dolph Ziggler and Zack Swagger vs R-truth and Kofi Kingston was a surprisingly good tag match
  • Santino winning the Battle Royal and participating in the Elimination Chamber was great.
So the card for Wrestlemania so far (no idea of the order)
  • Daniel Bryan vs Shemus for the World Heavyweight Championship
  • CM Punk vs Chris Jericho for the WWE Championship
  • Undertaker vs Triple H in Hell in a Cell
  • The Rock vs John Cena
  • Cody Rhodes vs The Big Show for the Intercontinental Championship
Probable matches
  • Kane vs Randy Orton
 
So I loved the Rock back when I first started watching, but man he's gotten rusty in his promos. I particularly hated him cracking up every time the crowd started a chant.
 
HBK to be on Raw tonight.

Zack Ryder tweeted that he was in Boston for Raw, so expect him to be there as well.
 
Im most interested in Daioel Bryan and Shaemus right now, I think that match may have the potential to steal the show. ...but only if they let them have a clean ending
 
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