Wrestlemania XXVI Preview: Final Batch of Photos From Inside WM XXVI

Look at that Set, it's less set and more Screen, that's what you get now WWE is broadcast in HD worldwide.

Wrestlemania XXVI Preview: Even More Photos From Inside the Stadium

Wrestlemania XXVI Preview: Another Look Inside the University of Phoenix Stadium & WM XXVI Set Up

Wrestlemania XXVI Preview: Triple H vs Sheamus

The Young Lion vs the King of the Pride

Oh how the mighty have fallen. Or should it be, It’s not who you are but who you know? Either way, this is an interesting affair, in and out of the ring. Of course people of the internet have put the rocketing of Sheamus to the top of the company down to Triple H; that might be true or not, oh I forget he’s the son-in-law. Sheamus is in my view a worthy opponent for The Game. It’s just interesting that The Celtic Warrior is the lowest profile match the King of Kings has been in for ages, lets count the ways:

• Wrestlemania 25: Defeats Randy Orton to Retain the WWE Championship, Main Event
• Wrestlemania XXIV: Lost to Randy Orton and John Cena in WWE Championship Triple Threat Match, 3rd to Last Match (Same Night as Show-Mayweather/Edge-Undertaker)
• Wrestlemania 23: Injuried
• Wrestlemania 22: Lost to John Cena in WWE Championship Match, Main Event
• Wrestlemania 21: Lost to Batista in World Heavyweight Championship Match, Main Event
• Wrestlemania XX: Lost to Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels in World Heavyweight Championship Match, Main Event
• Wrestlemania XIX: Defeats Booker T to Retain World Heavyweight Championship, 4th to Last Match (Same Night as Austin-Rock III/McMahon-Hogan/Angle-Lesnar)
• Wrestlemania X-8: Defeats Chris Jericho to become Undisputed Champion, Main Event
• Wrestlemania X-Seven: Lost to Undertaker, 2nd to last match (Same Night as Rock-Austin II)
• Wrestlemania 2000: Defeats The Rock, Mick Foley and Big Show to Retain the WWF Championship, Main Event

And Then further you go back from this he drops down a bit, but the point remains (and to be perfectly honest I didn’t expect that much to come of it).

This is his first truly low-ish key match since Wrestlemania XV when he faced Kane (5th to Last Match). So Please Savour this moment... And It’s Over. I’m not doubting the match at all, I hope we see a master class from the Game, because no matter how much you ridicule him and call him boring, he knows how to deliver and if the rumours are true, he is the hardest working wrestler out there (probably second to John Cena).

Then we have Sheamus, debuting on the grandest stage of them all tonight. Who is different, it is safe to say we’ve never seen anyone like him in WWE before. Is this good? Yes. And will this be a good match tonight? Yes! And even looking back on the build-up to this match, it has actually been better than I first thought.
Strangely, even though HHH would hate it, I would be looking out for an Irish hand to be held high at the end of the match, but hey, what do I know?

Wrestlemania XXVI Preview: Career vs. Streak Match

‘Ain’t no grave can hold my body down’

All good things must come to an end, or do they? Johnny Cash seems to suggest in his song otherwise. But is this song in this instances referring to Shawn Michaels’ career not ending at Wrestlemania XXVI or, is it suggesting that The Undertaker will never lose at Wrestlemania? Can you have too much of a good thing? Will darkness conquer light again? Will the career of Shawn Michaels be ended by The Undertaker or will The Undertaker’s 17-0 undefeated streak at Wrestlemania finally be ended by Mr. Wrestlemania, The Showstopper the Heart Break Kid Shawn Michaels?

These two future WWE Hall of Famers have had many epic encounters with each other during their careers. The first and some argue the best Hell in a Cell match at Badd Blood: In Your House 1997, in which Shawn Michaels defeated The Undertaker with an assist from Kane. To the Casket Match at the Royal Rumble 1998 in which HBK suffered a legitimate back injury that took him out of WWE as an in ring competitor until 2002. The same match in which Undertaker was buried in a casket which was later set on fire by Kane and Paul Bearer (there seems to be a pattern here between Taker losing and Kane being involved watch this space tonight.) From that point on the feud lay dormant until Royal Rumble 2007 when The Undertaker for the first time in his career won the Royal Rumble from the number 30 spot (the first time that to had ever happened) eliminating none other than Shawn Michaels last. During the build up to Wrestlemania the champion and contenders from RAW and Smackdown met in a tag team contest at No Way Out, The Undertaker and HBK locked horns in that match however the main twist was Batista and Undertakers feud rather than HBK and The Demon of Death Valley’s. Once again the two men allowed the differences to simmer on the back burner whilst other priorities were moved to the forefront. For HBK it was D-Generation X whereas for The Undertaker it was claiming the World Heavyweight Championship which he did 3 times.

Two years later at Royal Rumble 2009 these men’s paths would cross and this time it would spark a chain of events that would bring us to today, tonight and perhaps the biggest match in Wrestlemania history. ‘Sometimes it is Hell getting to Heaven!’ one simple line, one simple phrase, which led to what may considered the greatest match in WWE history HBK vs. The Undertaker Wrestlemania XXV, as you can tell by the fact this year’s contest is career vs. Streak that Undertaker beat HBK at WMXXV, something that didn’t sit well with Shawn. So at the 2009 Slammys HBK issued a challenge to then World Heavyweight Champion the Undertaker who turned Shawn down. So what did HBK do? Did he just accept the rejection and move on? No, he begged and pleaded for Teddy Long to let him into the Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship, his logic being that he was going to slay the beast that Undertaker and then offer him a title rematch at Wrestlemania XXVI. Teddy refused and got some Sweet Chin Music for his troubles. Shawn then snuck into the Elimination chamber unofficially and cost the Undertaker the match. Knowing full well that The Undertaker would never let such an event pass without seeking retribution, so it came to pass Shawn issued the challenge once again and this time The Undertaker accepted on one condition Shawn Michaels put his career on the line.

This year’s contest unlike the match at Wrestlemania XXV will be a no disqualification, no count out match. This stipulation was added a few weeks after the match itself was decided. On the face of it this would seem to make very little difference but, if it is taken in to consideration that at Wrestlemania XXV HBK was one second away from a count out victory after ‘that’ suicide dive. Also HBK is no stranger to shall we say bending the rules and this could mean he has some advantage going into tonight’s match. But the Undertaker is no stranger to bending the rules.

If tonight’s match has anything to do with statistics then HBK looks almost destine to lose. His Wrestlemania record is 6 (5 as a singles competitor and 1 as part of the Rockers) wins to 10 loses at Wrestlemania. Even if you look at Shawn performances in the majority of those matches he still comes out second best and at Wrestlemania XXVI Shawn can fight his heart out but if he does not secure a 123 or a submission he will have to retire. Paradoxically the Undertaker is 17-0 at Wrestlemania and much like HBK the majority of his performances have been of a high calibre. The exception to the rule is perhaps his contest at Wrestlemania IX in which he beat the Giant Gonzalez by disqualification (up until Wrestlemania XXIV which was won by submission) was the only time that The Undertaker had won a match at Wrestlemania by anything other than pin fall.

This year is a first for the streak; it is the first time that the Undertaker has fought the same opponent consecutively. In fact Taker has only fought the same person at Wrestlemania twice before tonight and that was? You guessed it, Kane, who seems to keep popping up in the careers of Undertaker and HBK. HBK put forward the idea that this was the case for one simple reason Taker knows how close HBK came last year and now he wants to get rid of him for good. Which sounds like a good theory but if The Undertaker knew how close HBK came why would he accept another Wrestlemania match with him? Why not take an easier option? Perhaps the real reasons why Taker is taking on Michaels again is to finish what he started in 1998 and end HBK’s career, or even finish the job from last year in which the Undertaker claimed HBK’s soul maybe this year Taker will take the rest? The truth is that there is not one (kayfabe) reasons as to why Taker and Shawn are locking up again, but to be honest does there need to be? Not really, as a former WWE commentator use to say before major ‘This is going to be off the chain!’

When looking at this match a key feature will be the differing styles used by each competitor. The Undertaker will no doubt have the power advantage over HBK. This will be shown through moves like the Chokeslam which Taker has utilise on many occasions to good effect but I just don’t see it being the move that is going to put HBK away tonight. Also one of the more devastating moves in Taker’s arsenal based around power is the Last Ride Powerbomb, which was used to great affected against HBK last year at Wrestlemania XXV, however, much like the Chokeslam I don’t think the Last Ride will be Taker’s weapon of choice for tonight’s contest. I believe one of the firm favourites to be the last move of the match tonight is The Tombstone Piledriver a move that few men have kicked out of. A move that is so dangerous only a handful of Superstars are trusted in the WWE to perform it. The move that eventually put HBK away last year could perhaps do the same this year. Other power moves in Taker’s arsenal expected to be seen tonight to deliver damage to HBK are Snake Eyes which is usually followed by a running boot to the face. Also one of the biggest features of Undertaker’s offense which might be over looked but after a gruelling contest some of Undertaker’s straight right hands could be the difference maker. Who can forget when Taker threw Mick Foley off and through the Hell in a Cell? Foley himself later said neither fall knocked him out it was in fact one of Taker’s punch’s that did the damage. Also Batista when reflecting on his Wrestlemania match with Undertaker talked on how one of Taker’s caused him to suffer an injury to his face.

Taker might have the Power advantage but HBK has the speed advantage, at has been demonstrated many times before Taker’s big shots are no good if he can’t land them. However, as the match wears on HBK’s speed begins to diminish, that is when HBK’s finishing move, Sweet Chin Music, can be utilised to its maximum effect. The move can virtually be hit from any position and as JR would say is ‘quicker than a hiccup’ and if HBK can hit that then maybe Taker’s streak will be over. Also HBK has the use of the flying forearm and flying elbow moves that have helped him win on many occasion, but with the flying elbow it is very high risk and the chances of succeeding are just as high a failing, especially if HBK introduces a ladder into tonight’s match something that could happen there might be some lying around after MitB. The Undertaker may not be as quick as HBK but he has shown himself to be as agile, Taker’s suicide dive is one of if not the best in the business and it has become a Wrestlemania tradition so the question will more be when then if he is going to hit it. Also an often forgotten move of the Undertaker’s is the running DDT a move that sounds very mundane but when delivered could be the ending of Shawn Michaels.

Both men in this match are well versed in submission holds and I would not be surprised if many were attempted if not locked in by both men. The Undertaker’s signature submission hold at this moment of time is the Hell’s Gate. A move that was once banned by Vickie Guerrero for being ‘too dangerous’ has been reinstated after modified to make it more effective and a legal hold, also a move very few people have escaped from HBK being one of them. However, in the past the Undertaker has been known to use many other submission holds. Examples of these are the Triangle Choke and the Standing Dragon Sleeper or as it was known when Taker used it as ‘Takin’ Care of Business.’ All of the above holds are devastating when applied and could be used to wear down if not defeat an opponent. Shawn Michaels is also well versed in submission holds, however his preferred holds are the Figure of Four Leglock and Inverted Figure of Four Leglock, the Sharpshooter and the Crippler Crossface. During tonight’s contest I would not be surprised if HBK did not attempted to war down the legs of The Undertaker to make the 2 variations of the Figure of Four more effective. Likewise HBK might looks to reverse the Chokeslam into a Crossface as an attempted to wear down The Undertaker and take out his power game. Although I highly doubt that this contest will end via submission as I cannot remember The Undertaker ever giving up (except at Montreal Screwjob 4 which to be perfectly honest I don’t really count unless I am trying to big up CM Punk) and I don’t see Shawn Michaels ending his career by tapping out.

Time, is always an important factor when it come to wrestling. Last year HBK and Undertaker were given just over 30 minutes which was the longest match on the card. This I feel should be replicated this year however I think the match should go for about 45-60 minutes. The reason for this is that this match is probably going to be one of the emotional matches in WWE history and regardless of the winner I would say that there will be very few dry eyes in the WWE Universe. However is also feel that the match should not close the show. This would show disrespect to Ric Flair who had a retirement match at Wrestlemania XXIV. Despite the fact that Ric went back to work a decision that he could do very little about due to his financial situation, a decision that Flair ‘checked’ through with Michaels before taking, it still needs to be respected. Also I think that the Royal Rumble winner’s match should be the last match on the card because that is a tradition in WWE that has lasted a long time and when it has not been adhered to the PPV has felt slightly abnormal for example Wrestlemania 23 felt weird with HBK vs. Cena closing the show rather that The Undertaker vs. Batista even more so because Undertaker that year eliminated HBK last from the Rumble.

Jim Ross, respected WWE Commentator and owner of a two Bar-B-Q stores in Oklahoma on his website www.jrsbarbq.com/ he has said many times that he cannot see The Undertaker’s streak being ended. A view which many people have held for many years myself included. HHH on RAW says that he ‘knows’ that HBK can beat The Undertaker and some people have taken this to mean that somehow Triple H is going to get involved and cost HBK the match. I however, do not feel that an event of this magnitude will not have a clean finish one way or the other. Also in many interviews recently HBK has been talking a lot recently about hanging up his boots and spending time with his family. He also addressed the fact that this was increasingly becoming the case after turning towards religion that has made him feel this way. Could this be a sign for tonights out come? Not really as Vince is a clever man and he wants to sell PPVs in fact WWE has predicted this Wrestlemania could make them the most money in WWE history and the best way to sell this PPV is to make people think they could see something amazing or for the last time and unlike with Ric Flair were the writing was clearly on the wall, with HBK every year is rumoured to retire this is why people might treat this with suspicion.

The aspect of this match that might be forgotten is the commentary team. In an ideal World my commentary team would be Jim Ross, King and Matt Striker. Also I would love to see maybe Mick Foley, Jesse Ventura or JBL along with JR and King on the commentary team but again that would be impossible. So if we assume that WWE will go with a three man team of Michael ‘I hate the internet’ Cole Jerry ‘The King Lawler’ and Matt Striker, you have to look at what that adds to the match. You might be reading the now thinking who cares? But the commentary team on a match can be huge on the storytelling front. JR’s catchphrases and expressions made good moment’s great and great moment unbelievable and no offense to Cole but Vintage is not quite ‘Boomer Sooner’ or ‘Business is pickin’ up!’ Jerry Lawler does not prep and yet I wouldn’t want for him not to be calling the show he is such an amazing commentator despite his occasional risqué joke. Matt Striker average wrestler top commentator. His performance as a slight heel is amazing as shown at TLC when Sheamus beat John Cena, Striker’s commentary after that moment was a Dirt Sheet HD favourite moment. His style of commentary could lend itself perfectly to this sort of match I have the feeling he will be heelish during the match and then after the match he will play it sensitively but to the point. Cole and King will be the consummate professionals and they will call it perfectly. Although JR is in Arizona and has been claiming he is not calling the show, but WWE have often done things like that and in the past JR has been called into just one match and I am hoping that this is the case even if Matt Striker has to be dropped for that to happen.

The last aspect I want to look at in this match is the entrances of the Superstars. I have the feeling that there is going to be something special going on but I have no idea what. I felt that last year’s entrance for The Undertaker was poor to say the least. It was a Gangrel rip off and also it was not what we have come to expect from The Undertaker, I wanted to see druids! Also it would be a huge surprise but a nice one if WWE could get Paul Bearer and Jose Lothario to come to the ring with their respective former mentees. What however HBK and Taker come even if it is conventionally (Druids are a must however for the Undertaker) it is going to be special as it could very well be the last time.

This match is going to be amazing. This match is going to be everything it should be and more. I am a massive Undertaker fan and yet part of me a small part of me wants HBK to win because HBK can have a great match with anyone and I mean anyone. But at the same time The Undertaker’s streak is special I would suggest that no one will ever match it and certainly not beat it, in fact I doubt anyone will be able to get near it. This is one of the few matches were I have no clear favourite in my mind, every time I think about it I have a different outcome. This will be one of a handful of matches where I will sit down not as a blogger/writer, not as a wrestling historian and not as a Smark. I will sit down and watch this match as a WWE Fan, as a wrestling fan and as a wrestling fan!

Wrestlemania XXVI Preview: CM Punk vs Rey Mysterio

Happy Birthday

Never before has such a happy moment seemed so eerie. “Happy Birthday” normally a song filled with love and happiness was usurped and made to be a battle cry of rage and hate of the Straight Edge Society. I mean what’s not to like about this match? CM Punk is one of the most solid performers and evil characters in the WWE right now. He has a massive loathing and hatred behind him and the fact he is picking on Rey, who is one of the most beloved superstars in wrestling right now, and his family means that Punk stock only goes up further.

I’m sorry to say but that girl was crying like CM Punk was the Grim Reaper, pure evil. I really hope that Rey’s Family will be there, backstage or otherwise, just so there can be a bit more Punk-Mysterio Family Interaction. And let’s not forget that if Rey loses he has to join the Straight Edge Society. I mean on the surface you wouldn’t see that happening, but I’ve been thinking recently and been listening to people more in the know than me, who are saying that it’s more viable that Punk walks out of the University of Phoenix Stadium with the win.

“But they wouldn’t let Rey lose, he needs revenge, I mean he’s the fan favourite. You’ll break all the little kids’ hearts”

Stop right there, surely that is exactly what this feud has been about, why not do it again. I mean that would be a kid’s worst nightmare, seeing their hero, their Rey Rey made to follow in CM Punk’s Straight Edge footsteps. And if they have a feud going through summer, which I really hope is the case, it’ll add a fantastic dimension, i.e. with Rey trying to escape from the group, failing up to, say, Summerslam at the Staples Centre, LA in August.

These two have never really fought each other before now, one exception I can remember was at Armageddon 2008 when CM Punk beat Rey to become the #1 Contender for William Regal’s IC Title; Punk nearly broke Mysterio’s nose that time. These two are great athletes, performers and entertainers which will leave it all in the ring tonight. For me this is the dark horse of the night, obviously won’t steal the show thanks to HBK-Taker, but they will give us our money’s worth and get a pay check they deserve. Also look for the SES to do some great work outside the ring.

“Happy Birthday... to... you”

WrestlemaniaRewind - The 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania Results & Highlights

"The 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania"
April 5, 2009 in Houston, TX
Reliant Stadium drawing 72,744 ($6,900,000)
Shown live on PPV

1. WWE Tag Champs Carlito & Primo Colon beat The Miz & John Morrison (8:20) in a "lumberjack" match to win the World Tag Title when Primo pinned Morrison.
2. CM Punk beat Shelton Benjamin, Christian, Fit Finlay, Mark Henry, Kane, Kofi Kingston, and MVP (14:24) in a "money in the bank ladder" match.
3. Kid Rock performed Bawitdaba, Rock-n-Roll Jesus, Cowboy, All Summer Long, and So Hott.
4. Santino Marella won a "divas battle royal" (5:57). Also in the match were: Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, Katie Lee Burchill, Layla El, Alicia Fox, Jackie Gayda, Joy Giovanni, Jillian Hall, Molly Holly, Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim, Maria, Maryse, Michelle McCool, Melina, Rosa Mendes, Natalya, Beth Phoenix, Sunny, Tiffany, Eve Torres, Victoria, and Torrie Wilson. Mae Young was the guest timekeeper.
5. Chris Jericho beat Jimmy Snuka, Roddy Piper, & Ricky Steamboat w/Ric Flair (seconded by Mickey Rourke) (8:53) in a "handicap elimination" match. Jericho beat Snuka (3:40) via submission. Jericho pinned Piper (4:40). Jericho pinned Steamboat (8:53).
6. Matt Hardy pinned Jeff Hardy (13:13) in an "extreme rules" match.
7. Rey Mysterio pinned John Bradshaw Layfield (0:21) to win the WWE I-C Title.
8. The Undertaker pinned Shawn Michaels (30:41).
9. John Cena beat Edge and The Big Show (14:42) in a "triple threat" match to win the World Title.
10. Hall of Fame Introduction: Terry & Dory Funk Jr., Koko B. Ware, Bill Watts, Steve Austin, Ricky Steamboat, Howard Finkel, and Kevin, Kerry (posthumous), David (posthumous), & Fritz (posthumous) Von Erich.
11. WWE Champ Triple H pinned Randy Orton.

Guest: Nicole Scherzinger (vocalist)

Wrestlemania XXVI Preview: Final Card For Tonight's Wrestlemania XXVI

Streak vs Career
No DQ, No Countout
The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels

WWE Championship
Batista (c) vs John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship
Chris Jericho (c) vs Edge

No Holds Barred
Bret Hart vs Mr. McMahon

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Christian vs Dolph Ziggler vs Jack Swagger vs MVP vs Drew McIntyre vs Evan Bourne vs Matt Hary vs Kofi Kingston vs Kane vs Shelton Benjamin

If Rey Mysterio Loses he has to join the Straight Edge Society
CM Punk vs Rey Mysterio

Triple Threat Match
Randy Orton vs Ted DiBiase vs Cody Rhodes

Triple H vs Sheamus

Unified WWE Tag Team Championship
The Miz & Big Show (c) vs John Morrison & R-Truth

10-Diva Tag Team
Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, Gail Kim, Eve Torres & Kelly Kelly vs Women's Champion Michelle McCool, Diva's Champion Maryse, Vickie Guerrero, Layla & Alicia Fox

Wrestlemania XXVI Preview: Money in the Bank Ladder Match

‘I look up to the sky and now the World is mine’

A line from this year’s Wrestlemania theme ‘I made it’ and I think it quite aptly describes the Money in the Bank ladder match. A briefcase hangs above the ring and the first person retrieves it get a title match at any time from the moment they unhook it till Wrestlemania the next year. Every person that has cashed in MitB has won one of the World titles (however as we all know not everyone who won money in the bank went onto cash it in. Mr Kennedy won the briefcase but lost it to Edge who went on to cash it in.

Anyway that is enough of history lesson now it is time to look forward to tonight’s MitB match. 10 men are all vying for the briefcase. How do they rate? Well let’s take a DSHD look at what we think their chances are. The two number factors are chances of winning in our opinion, which seems pretty obvious and entertainment factor which is basically how many spills/ big spots they will be involved in or just how much will their involvement be remember. So for example at Wrestlemania XXV Mark Henry would score relatively high although not taking many big bumps he was involved with the ‘Tadpole Splash moment’ The Kofi ladder moment and the parting of the Ladders with Kane.

Christian
Captain Charisma making his Wrestlemania return and just like his last Wrestlemania with WWE he is in the MitB money match. The big difference is that this year lots of people have him down as the favourite to win. A former ‘WWEECW’ (thanks for that one Joey Styles) champion and a ladder match specialist it would seem that he has all the advantages going into this match. However, the only time Christian has headlined a company was TNA and would Vince trust him to be able to headline Smackdown or RAW as WWE or WHC? It is hard to tell also it seems that Vince is increasingly about developing new talent which is why the US, one half of the tag team titles, Women championship and Divas championship are all held by rising stars in the WWE as well as the fact that up until Elimination Chamber Sheamus was the WWE Champion and MitB has often been a match to give either a young star his break CM Punk and Mr. Kennedy even if he got injured and lost his chance, but paradoxically it has been used to give a veteran his break for example Edge and RVD all one the big prize for the first time after winning MitB.
Chances of winning 8.5/10
Entertainment factor 8.5/10

Dolph Ziggler
You can’t stop perfection? Well, really? I have to disagree. Ziggler sort of disappeared last summer after his feud with Rey and to be honest he resurfaced at the Royal Rumble as number one again ruining one of my predictions and since then he has been back on the scene with his new move the Sleeper hold, which he has been utilising with to good effect. But I just don’t see him winning MitB because he has not been given a consistent push and I have a horrible feeling he could disappear after Wrestlemania or float around like Shelton until the next MitB or Royal Rumble or a similar event. But I could see Ziggler hitting the Zig Zag off a ladder or something tonight and having a few good spots.
Chances of winning 1/10
Entertainment factor 5/10

Drew McIntyre
The Chairman’s choice, the current intercontinental and with only one lost to his name (sort of) looks destine for great things. But is he destined to win MitB? Perhaps, but it would be a long shot. The Scotsman is making his Wrestlemania debut this year’s as the extra 9th man to the MitB, which in itself suggests that he is not top on the list for people to win. As well as that as a current champion giving him the MitB would I feel be too much too young for this Superstar, who lacks the charisma and in my opinion the talent that someone like the Miz, has can and is currently pulling off holding two titles. But in a year or so I have a feeling I could be writing about MitB and Drew McIntyre could be the odds on favourite. Also with regards to his entertainment factor Drew is neither a powerhouse nor a high flyer and I feel he could get a bit lost in a ladder match with this many men.
Chances of winning 3.5/10
Entertainment factor 4/10

Evan Bourne
If I had to pick a winner based solely on personal opinion then Evan would be up there in the top two. He has bags of talent and when he is given the chance to speak he seem quite charismatic. The problem is WWE don’t seem to know how to use him properly, they don’t have a heel cruiserweight that has the same highflying ability to put him up against and it seems they don’t like Evan doing a David vs. Goliath sort of victory over the bigger competitors. So at the moment Evan is stuck in no man’s land and I really don’t see WWE even consider giving him a title match but what I do see is him stealing the show in the MitB tonight and showing everyone how to go Air Bourne properly.
Chances of winning 0.5/10
Entertainment factor 9.5.10

Jack Swagger
The All American American is the person I want to win and it is not wholly unlikely but I would say that if he did win it would be a big surprise. The former ECW champion was teased as having a feud with Cena when he helped Mr. McMahon the other week (walking to the ring in somewhat comical fashion) likewise in the past when Cena and Swagger have locked horns it has been an epic contest between the two superstars and if they were allowed to go at it again it could really make Swagger’s career much like The Miz. Also it would seem that Cena or a RAW superstar has to win the WWE championship match because technically Batista is a Smackdown Superstar and both titles cannot be on the same brand. Could it be Swagger? Maybe but either way I think this athletic Oklahoman could be quite entertaining in MitB regardless of the outcome.
Chances of winning 5.5/10
Entertainment Factor 7/10

Kane
The Big Red Monster the only former WWE/WHC champion in this match. He has Wrestlemania and Money in the Bank experience which might give him an edge in tonight’s match. Also he came ridiculously close at winning MitB at Wrestlemania XXV which could drive him forward at Wrestlemania XXVI also the man that knocked him off the ladder is not in the match so could this mean it will be Kane’s year? Probably not, WWE seem not to want to give Kane a World title or any title for that matter and I just don’t see MitB making a difference this year but who knows, I have been wrong before?
Chances of winning: 4/10
Entertainment factor 6.5/10

Kofi Kingston
The Ghanaian Buzzsaw was Jamaican in the last MitB that is not particularly relevant on the face of it but actually after reverting back to his actually nationality and ditching the Jamaican accent Kofi actually was given a main event push against Randy Orton and look destined for great things. Then that push sort of died for some unknown reasons and Kofi went into the grey area between mid-carder and main eventer. But also like Swagger during the Mr. McMahon vs. John Cena match it was teased that Kofi could be feuding with Batista in the future. However, Kofi’s ability to bust people open all the time seemingly by accident could put him in lots of people’s bad books a prevent him winning MitB or getting the final push fully into main event status, this seems pretty clear since he was the 10th man to qualify for a 8 man match.
Chances of winning 7/10
Entertainment factor 9/10

Matt Hardy
After a up and down 2009 Matt Hardy has vowed to reinvent himself and set the record straight in 2010 and MitB could be his way of doing just that. A bit of a dark horse and sort of forgotten in the run up to MitB because of NXT, but do not let this fool you Matt Hardy could surprise everyone and finally climb to the same heights as his brother Jeff (no pun intended.) The only drawback is that Matt Hardy has always been second fiddle to Jeff and whenever I look at Matt Hardy I always put him as the second brother. He is a very gifted and talented wrestler but he seems to be never quite reach the level needed to be WWE/WHC champion. But perhaps he can win MitB and shake off the shackles of his brother’s legacy and finally reach the top of the food chain.
Chances of winning 4.5/10
Entertainment factor 6.5/10

Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP)
One half of the World’s Strongest Tag Team (he is the half with the talent and Charisma) MVP has always been a consistently good performer and his Wrestlemania matches are very good. Who can forget his U.S. title match with Chris Benoit at Wrestlemania 23 when he took the Crippler to his limit? MVP has been feuding with The Miz for quite a long time now and to be honest every time the two of them met one on one they have had amazing matches. A truly talented individual that has not quite yet been give the chance to prove himself at the highest level since his debut feud with Kane. Wrestlemania XXVI will probably not be his year but his performance on the grandest stage of them all will be up there with everyone else and who knows this year could well be a good year for MVP.
Chances of winning 4/10
Entertainment factor 5.5/10

Shelton Benjamin
The Gold Standard, a nickname which is perhaps not very apt as the last time Shelton held a title was March 20th 2009 when he lost his US title to MVP. The best analogy I can think of to describe Shelton’s role in MitB is ‘always the bridesmaid never the bride’ as Shelton has been in 4 of the 5 Money in the Bank matches and at Wrestlemania XXVI he will be entering into his 5th. Shelton will not win tonight, however if he is lucky he might be able to earn a feud with McIntyre over the IC title after MitB depending on how the match pans out.
Chances of Winning 0/10
Entertainment Factor 9.25/10

What is interesting about this year’s MitB is that one of the WWE PPVs later this year is called MitB which would suggest that the briefcase will be cashed sooner rather than later. This could be at Wrestlemania or at the April Pay Per View which at the moment is Extreme Rules a PPV that bodes well for MitB winners. But also this year more so than other years there is no clear winner or even a group of people you could pick to win for example at Wrestlemania XXI Kane, Y2J, Edge and Chris Benoit all looked like viable winners or at Wrestlemania XXIV Y2J, Punk and Mr. Kennedy all looked like they could win. So one of the many reasons why Wrestlemania XXVI will be off the chart this year is that like most of the matches on the card MitB is just too close to accurately call despite my best efforts.

Wrestlemania XXVI Preview: World Heavyweight Championship Match

Spear vs. Codebreaker

Royal Rumble winner Edge takes on World Heavyweight Champion and former tag team partner Chris Jericho, in a match that is much more than a title match, this is a grudge match of epic proportions.

Edge was injured during his tag team title reign with Y2J which led to the formation of JeriShow. It also led to lots of taunting from Y2J with regards to Edge’s weakness. Now you don’t need to be a Smark to see what was coming next. Edge returning from injury surprising EVERYONE and went and one it, ruining my predictions I might add! Now all that needed to be addressed was the issue that Edge had a date for the big dance and it wasn’t Y2J. Enter HBK at Elimination Chamber, for purely selfish reasons he took out The Undertaker costing him the big gold belt, in to process much to Edge’s delight Chris Jericho happened to win the Elimination Chamber earning the Big Gold Belt.

Now as this was going on Edge debut an amazing fan favourite phrase ‘Spear!’ no said once is fine, repeated 1,000 times however it begins to grate ever so slightly. But not only did he say the word 1000 times he used the move almost as many taking out the likes of Big Show, Miz and Wade Barrett. Jericho also seemed to be out witted by Edge on every occasion they met, but then there was that fateful Highlight Reel on Smackdown when Y2J attempted to introduce Edge to the Jeri-tron 6000 (I think it is the Jeri-tron 6000 but don’t quote me on that.) Edge reversed it, and set up the Spear, but Y2J was ready and clocked Edge with the WHC belt knocking him out. Fast forward one week to the Cutting Edge and once again Y2J got the better of Edge hitting him this time with the Codebreaker. Through this time Y2J has compared Edge to David Beckham (wow, there is a reference I never thought I’d make on this site) and suggesting that Edge’s DNA well cost him the match as he is injury prone, which compared to Y2J is the case.

This match will probably and hopefully be the last match on the card so that WWE follow tradition of putting the Royal Rumble winners match last on the card. The winner however is not such a clear cut decision, on one hand Edge could complete his triumphant return and spear his way to the Big Gold Belt or will Y2J be able to break the code of the spear and retain? Plus there is the wild card option as there looks to be a Money in the Bank PPV view this year so will Vince continue the Wrestlemania tradition of the past two years of less than a minute title matches and have the MitB winner cash in at Mania against ever the WHC or WWE Champion? All I know for a fact is that I cannot wait for Wrestlemania to find the answer to this question!