411 PPV Roundtable Preview: WWE WrestleMania XXVI (Part One)

Beth Phoenix, Eve Torres, Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, and Gail Kim vs Maryse, Michelle McCool, Layla, Alicia Fox, and Vickie Guerrero

This match was added too late for the 411 Staff to make any predictions. I’m sure you’re all crushed at that news.

Triple H vs Sheamus

Stephen Randle: Well, it was inevitable, I guess. After months of the theories that Sheamus was only getting pushed because he’s Triple H’s workout buddy, it’s time to see how much of a buddy Triple H really is. My prediction? A pretty good one.

Winner: Sheamus

Aaron Hubbard: This is a match I am very interested in seeing. As far as I’m concerned, this is make or break for Sheamus. He is wrestling one of the biggest names in the company on the biggest stage possible, on a stacked card. Both Triple H and Sheamus are going to have to be at their best to stand out on this show; with no title on the line and little hype, they have to make us care through their in-ring efforts. This match is all about Sheamus: win or lose, he must look impressive. If he wins and isn’t, no one will care. If he loses and is impressive, he may have a chance to overcome that loss. Triple H is probably looking to redeem himself after last year’s performance, but this is “Game Time”. I don’t think he’ll take a clean loss, but really, my expected result would put Sheamus over more as a monster than a pin or submission would.

Winner: Sheamus (via TKO, Bicycle Kick)

Chad Nevett: This could be a decent match, a chance for Sheamus to show that he has what it takes to run with the big boys. He’s yet to really deliver that strong match that makes you buy him as a main eventer as far as workrate goes. He’s been decent, but usually looked a little out of place when taking on main eventers. I think this will be one of those times where the goal will be to make him look great, but Trips will still take the victory, because Sheamus hasn’t had a clean win in a normal match against a main eventer and this doesn’t look like the place to start.

Winner: Triple H

Rob McNew: I’m on record as saying I’m not buying into Sheamus at all, so I’m not really looking forward to this one at all. Unfortunately WWE doesn’t usually consult me on these things, and the important thing is that Trips is high on him. Therefore this is pretty easy to call. Triple H wants to get Sheamus over huge, and he will do so by putting him over on the grandest stage. It will still fail, but the thought will be there.

Winner: Sheamus

Andy Critchell: Maybe it’s just me but I feel the booking for this match has been effective due to it’s simplicity; Sheamus wants to make a name for himself and he sees Triple H as the guy he has to beat to make that happen. Over the past few years, it seems that Trips willing to put the young guys, plus a win here would really cement Sheamus as an upper card guy, more so than even his title run. Look for Sheamus to pick up the win here.

Winner: Sheamus

Robert S. Leighty Jr: This is the 1st time that HHH has not been involved in one of the World Championship matches since WrestleMania X-Seven. This reminds me of when Austin got punted down the card to face Hall, but I suspect a better match between these two. Sheamus could really use the win here as he was not booked well as champion. I will go out on a limb and say that HHH will do the right thing here and put Sheamus over to build him into the Main Even star that the WWE seems to have him pegged to be.

Winner: Sheamus

Ari Berenstein: I actually believe this would make for one hell of an opening match for the show, although I realize that’s not a realistic possibility. There is much credit to give to Triple H, for not only taking a back seat to the main events and shying out of the spotlight this year by not participating in one of the championship matches. Triple H is also working with a younger talent in Sheamus and win-or-lose will likely make sure to spotlight his opponent in a positive manner. Call me crazy, but I am of the belief that Triple H actually puts over Sheamus during this match and not only that, but Sheamus injures him with an attack post-match. What a brave new world…maybe…

Winner: Sheamus

Steve Cook: Triple H bringing up his match at WrestleMania XII during the promo that set up this match makes me wish they would work it just like that match. Sheamus hits his Celtic Cross move, Triple H no-sells it, hits the Pedigree and beats Sheamus in under two minutes. Unless Sheamus does something to piss H off before WM, that’s not going to happen. As it is, the H’s wants Sheamus to be a star, and who better to make him one?

Winner: Sheamus

Julian Bond: Oh Sheamus…you’re still here! As much as I’m still baffled at the insanely big and weird push that they gave the guy with his brief (but still suprisingly long at around 2 months) as World Champ, I’m so glad that the WWE didn’t just brush Sheamus to the side like nothing happened after he lost the title. Hopefully he proves himself well against HHH here despite the fact that he’ll more than likely lose.

Winner: Triple H

Len Archibald: I’m gonna get hate for this…I’ve ALWAYS been a fan of Sheamus. When he debuted on ECW, I was instantly reminded of a friend of mine – I actually told him of that, and so it’s become a bit of a game to find out who his twin brother beat up week to week. Triple H, as much as some may not want to admit it, is the only other guy one can beat right now to create some semblance of credibility in this fake sport of ours (gee, I wonder who the other one is?) I think The Celtic Warrior comes close, but is edged out by a rollup or some other fluke – in which afterwards Sheamus absolutely OBLITERATES Triple H, legitimizing him in a way that merely defeating HHH via pinfall would not have done.

Winner: Triple H

Mathew Sforcina: Remember, this is WWE. While TNA specialises in making weird off the wall booking choices all the time when the alternative is sane, logical and exciting, WWE just makes the odd pick that you can see some vague logic behind but again is totally the wrong move. Thus, this match will see HHH get the win, but then get dismantled after the bell, since WWE feels that this will get Sheamus over just as well and not cost HHH a match. Because Tara forbid you give your Vader 2K10 attempt a clean win…

Winner: Triple H (Pedigree)

Andy Clark: This can go three ways. Triple H gives a little and wins. Triple H gives nothing and wins. Sheamus wins decisively. I’ll actually go with the more unpredictable: Sheamus SQUASHES Triple H at WrestleMania. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a New Evolution formed after this with Triple H, Sheamus, and Legacy.

Winner: Sheamus

Michael Bauer: Seeing Triple H in a match that is neither the main event nor involving any World Title at Wrestlemania is simply surreal. Seeing him lose this match would be even more so.

Winner: Triple H

Jeremy Thomas: I was going back and forth on this one for a while. On one hand, the Game and the McMahons are big on Sheamus and this would be a good spot to get him over; if anyone is going to go over him at ‘Mania in a situation like this, the time is now. On the other hand, it’s difficult to imagine Hunter eating a loss like this. But the keys for me are twofold. First, even if you discount his infamous job to the Warrior at ‘Mania XII, Hunter has won as many times as he’s lost, and clearly has no problem losing at the Big Dance. He lost to Batista at 21–which truly put Big Dave on the map–Cena at 22, and then ate the pin for Orton at 24. People always remember how he buried Booker and he certainly has that on his conscience, but no one can deny he will put someone over if he is so inclined. The other thing that clinches this for me is the promo that Hunter did where he said Sheamus had a chance to become famous, but if he lost he would become nobody. Clearly, no one in the ‘E’s booking team wants Sheamus to drop down into nothingness despite what some of the IWC desires, so this one I’m giving to the Irishman.

Winner: Sheamus (Celtic Cross)

Michael Weyer: Call me crazy but I actually see HHH putting Sheamus over here. The guy is rising and while his title reign wasn’t as great as they hoped, WWE obviously thinks he’s got the makings of a major star to come. HHH should be able to carry things well and I expect Sheamus to step up his game too to make this a pretty good match.

Winner: Sheamus

CM Punk vs Rey Mysterio
If Rey loses, he must join the Straight Edge Society

Stephen Randle: Proving that the Straight Edge gimmick has legs even when you’re not facing a drug addict, Punk has regained his position as one of the hottest heels in wrestling. And as much fun as it would be to watch Punk order Rey around (kind of like when JBL owned Shawn Michaels, but people actually are okay with watching it), I think the line Punk crossed by going after Rey’s family has to be addressed here.

Winner: Rey Mysterio

Aaron Hubbard: The stipulation pretty much gives the winner away, but it doesn’t matter. I wanted to see this match as soon as the rumors started flying: both men had great years in 2009 and deserve to be showcased on the Grandest Stage of Them All. After Punk’s stellar heel work the last month, I want to see Rey beat Punk and get his revenge. This would be a great choice for an opener, because fans love Mysterio and loathe CM Punk, and it will be a good match. If they give these guys at least twelve minutes to work, it could be the sleeper match-up that steals the show.

Winner: Rey Mysterio (via pin, 619 into West Coast Pop Rana)

Chad Nevett: I hope they give these two a good amount of time since they’ve shown that they can work very well together. I look at the stipulation and have to go with Rey Rey taking a loss, because that’s the far more interesting way to go. Of course, that all depends on how serious the WWE is about the Straight Edge Society, but I can definitely see this being extended beyond ‘Mania with Rey having to overcome the cult that he’s been forced to join.

Winner: CM Punk

Rob McNew: Punk has had the upper hand in this feud for the most part, and that really telegraphs the ending. For Mysterio to join the SES one would think he would have to lose his mask (although that has never been expressly mentioned) so since I can’t see a scenario where they would be dumb enough to get rid of the license to print money that is Rey’s mask I don’t see Punk coming out on top here.

Winner: Rey Mysterio

Andy Critchell: Since this is not any kind of mask match, I think there are a lot more interesting possibilities if you have Rey lose here. Punk’s character has been so strong that having him lose here would undercut his momentum and besides, the money in this angle is in Rey finally getting over on Punk and it would mean that much more if Rey has to suffer as a member of the SES first.

Winner: Punk

Robert S. Leighty Jr: CM Punk has become the hottest heel in the business, and it is nice to see him given a feud at Mania after 3 years of being part of Money in the Bank. Traditionally the face gets his revenge at Mania (especially considering what Punk has done to Rey), but the idea of Rey joining the SES has promise, and it would guarantee this feud would continue. This should be quite the tremendous match, and I’m sure they will try to steal the show (not likely though with Shawn/Taker II).

Winner: CM Punk

Ari Berenstein: What a feud that has developed between these two in just a short amount of time—Punk and Mysterio have done an excellent job with their respective roles. Punk is just on another level right now with his heel act—from facial expressions to words curdled with malicious intent. Any viewer can see him on the television and you immediately know he’s the villain who needs to be brought to justice. Mysterio has provided bravery and noble reaction to Punk’s attacks on his character as well as the run-in during his daughter’s Birthday celebration. Now we come to Wrestlemania, where this could easily just have been a great in-ring wrestling match (and they are capable of providing that style as seen on an episode of Smackdown just a few weeks back). Instead this will definitely be a grudge encounter with some heated exchanges. So does WWE go down the route of “good guys win at Wrestlemania” and have Mysterio go over here…or do they go the more intriguing, storyline driven route of Mysterio losing and having to join S.E.S.? I know what I would do—use the latter option—but I just don’t think WWE is willing or brave enough to pull the trigger on such a wild storyline twist in their 2010 PG environment. Mysterio rolls up Punk to escape the match, winning just by a hair but signaling that this feud is far from over.

Winner: Rey Mysterio

Steve Cook: Speaking of matches reminding me of past events, this reminds me of the time that Rey Mysterio lost a match to Eddie Guerrero and was forced to join the Latino World Order. It’s been twelve years and not many current WWE Universe members would remember it, so I think it’s a good idea to do it again here. Rey needs to go through a lot more suffering before he can get sweet revenge on the vile, sinister Punk. This should be a good one.

Winner: CM Punk

Julian Bond: This feud for being so sudden has been really, REALLY good so far and is definitely Mania worthy now with Punk pulling the ultimate “bitch-ass heel” move by getting to Rey’s actual family (which was perfectly executed on TV). The even crazier part now is with the whole “Rey possibly joining Straight Edge Society” stip now. I was initially thinking that Punk would take the win here before hearing about and I actually am still going to stick with this because I think that would push Punk’s mini-stable way over even more with Rey being their “bitch” for awhile (until he gets revenge next month at Extreme Rules).

Winner: CM Punk

Len Archibald: To be honest, this is the hardest match to call (yes even harder than MitB.) Punk has been on FIRE as perhaps the best heel in all of North American pro wrestling, and has been the perfect foil for Rey-Rey’s goodie-goodie underdog act. That promo CM Punk pulled on Rey’s family was completely epic and I think will be cause for an evolution of both characters. Rey will become the Steamboat-like family man who fights in the name of good and honor while Punk will fall further and further into that Manson/Bizzaro Jesus schtick he has going on. Even five years ago, I would have called for CM Punk to get the win to be “edgy” but I think this is a traditional “good vs. evil” tale for the kids. We can’t have them go home crying, can we? Regardless, this match should rock my face.

Winner: Rey Mysterio

Mathew Sforcina: So they didn’t go with the Hair V Mask stip here. So why did Punk grow his hair, and do the full on head shaving gimmick? Unless, unless… He will get shaved, just not here, he’ll get it done next month. And while a Rey win would give Punk justification to up the ante, that’s not really Punk’s style. So…

Winner: CM Punk (Darren Young interference)

Andy Clark: I hate the use of this kind of stipulation at WrestleMania, because you know how it works out and you know that Rey doesn’t last in the SES until the next PPV. This seems like a B-show stipulation used to set up the A-show match, not the other way around. Still, I think these guys will have a phenomenal match (they stole the show at the house show I attended at the end of last year), and this should provide the little bit of heel winning on this card.

Winner: CM Punk

Michael Bauer: I have to believe that this feud is not over and in order to keep that going, Mysterio needs to lose this match. Unlike almost any other feud on the card, this has tons of mileage left and Punk winning is the only way to go here.

Winner: CM Punk

Jeremy Thomas: This is pretty simple for me to work out. First off, I’ve loved the way this feud has played out; it’s easily the best feud work Rey Rey has done in a long time and Punk of course has been awesome. Aaliyah’s birthday party was an amazing promo, and it’s done well building since. I expect this to be a potential show-stealer and it will likely go on first to get the crowd hot right off the get-go. The booking would make sense to have Rey lose here by nefarious tactics, thus forcing Rey into the Society and leading to a rematch next month at Extreme Rules with the mask on the line.

Winner: CM Punk (G2S after Luke-erference)

Michael Weyer: The stip may seem to give the edge to Rey but I see WWE pulling a nice swerve and having him forced to join the SES. That could be a great dynamic to work with and these guys have been doing a good job building the feud up so expect a fine battle with Rey forced to work with the enemy.

Winner: CM PUNK BABY!

Randy Orton vs Cody Rhodes vs Ted DiBiase
Triple Threat Match

Stephen Randle: This is not going to be about Legacy, this is about Randy Orton’s coming out party as a true, organically turned anti-hero face, as the pops were there Monday night, and I bet when he makes his big comeback in this match, they’ll be there again. Hopefully, unlike half a decade ago, they won’t screw it up and instead continue to make him the good guy that nobody trusts.

Winner: Randy Orton

Aaron Hubbard: Out of all the matches, this is the one I’m least interested in seeing, and might end up being my bathroom break. I am intrigued to see who will win though, as you could make a case for any of the three winning it. I guarantee one thing: Orton is not getting pinned in this. He’ll either win (and if he does, the one who doesn’t get pinned will be the one WWE pushes), or Rhodes or DiBiase will get an unexpected finish on the other one and win the match. Obviously, that sets up a feud between the two. My guess is that DiBiase will get the win and probably bring in Brett DiBiase to replace Cody, while Rhodes becomes a babyface and feuds with him. Anyone else find it weird that both Triple H and Randy Orton are in two fairly meaningless matches this year?

Winner: Ted DiBiase (via pin, Dream Street on Cody Rhodes)

Chad Nevett: We all knew this match was coming and, yet, the build was awful. I can’t help but view Legacy as a failed faction since none of the members are any better off as a result of being in the group, which, I assume, was the goal. They’ve only barely teased Rhodes and DiBiase competing over who gets to pin Orton and Orton is still in the middle of a face turn, so the timing on this just seems very off. As well, I haven’t really liked the various incarnations of these three wrestling one another on Raw. Very slow, very basic, kind of boring… Rhodes and DiBiase need to step it up and, hopefully, WrestleMania is where they do that. As for who wins, I have no idea. I would flip a coin, but there are three of the guys. So I’ll pick at random…

Winner: Cody Rhodes

Rob McNew: I think a lot of people are looking at this wrong. People are seeing this as the opportunity to get one of the members of Legacy over by giving him a big a win on the grand stage. I don’t see it that way at all. I see this as a way to cement the Orton face turn, and he will do so by winning this one. If you watched the promo they teased some dissenssion between Rhodes and Dibiase so that appears to be their downfall. Orton goes over, and the reaction will determine how far he goes in this face run.

Winner: Randy Orton

Andy Critchell: This match was kind of unclear to me before I saw the go home show for Raw and now it seems clear that WWE is looking to push Orton as a babyface, or more to the point they are allowing the crowd to push Orton into a babyface role. The genius here is that Orton hasn’t changed, it just that now the crowd is into him, so much so that they were going nuts on Monday when it looked like he was going to hit the RKO. Furthermore, they have already teased a bit of dissention between Cody & Ted so I think you can have Orton win here and still further the careers of Cody & Ted.

Winner: Orton

Robert S. Leighty Jr: Heading into WrestleMania XXV who had Orton heading into Mania a year later as as massively over face? Everyone figured Dibiase would be the one getting the face push when Legacy eventually split, but this what the WWE has given us. This match seems to be lost in the shuffle, but I think it will be fine. The crowd should be solidly behind Orton, and I would assume Dibiase and Rhodes eventually turn on each other leading to Orton capitalizing for the win.

Winner: Randy Orton

Ari Berenstein: It’s unfortunate that WWE lost their way for this one, because a three-way feud between Legacy could have proven interesting, but clearly that is not the case right now. They lost their way in guiding the angle towards a conclusion that benefits all three and instead we’re at a place where this match actually helps none of them. Orton has already stated in a promo he does not take these guys seriously and even though Legacy had the upper hand in consecutive weeks, Orton not changing his tune is a death knell in making Rhodes or DiBiase believable winners in the fans’ mind. The best way to save anything is Randy Orton winning thanks to Rhodes and DiBiase being unable to co-exist and all three men going their separate ways in the upcoming 2010 WWE Draft.

Winner: Randy Orton

Steve Cook: This one hasn’t gone nearly as well as WWE was hoping for, as it’s become basically an afterthought. People don’t see Cody or Ted as a viable challenger to Randy, who has been incredibly popular as of late. Since I don’t see Orton moving to the main events to reprise feuds with John Cena or Batista at the moment, I think one of the Legacy kids will get the win here and make there be a reason for the feud to continue. Specifically, I think it will be the one whose dad is getting inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year, and who WWE wants to be a huge star but hasn’t quite made the jump yet. This won’t be enough, but it’ll be a start.

Winner: Ted DiBiase

Julian Bond: I like everyone here is mucho disappointed in the way that they are promoting this match here. For months AND months, they booked everything so perfectly with planting little seeds of backstabbing and betrayal amongst these three to the point where everyone was anticipating a huge awesome blow-off feud. But all it has been is random booking of Orton vs DiBiase…Orton vs Rhodes…Orton vs Rhodes AND DiBiase (whoa…that was genius)…and now just Orton vs Rhodes vs DiBiase. So as much as I love all three of these guys’ work in the ring (especially Orton), I have no real interest in the result of this match. I just pray that it leads to bigger and better things for the rest of Legacy, even with me thinking that Orton will take the win just to make the crowd go insane with a few RKOs.

Winner: Randy Orton

Len Archibald: I think this whole Legacy break-up blew up in the WWE writer’s faces. I don’t think they anticipated Orton to become the defacto #2 (yes, he is – he’s getting louder pops than Triple H) babyface on RAW. I think this was to be a vehicle to put Orton in the bully role, while DiBiase and Rhodes were placed in the babyface, or even tweenerish role. Orton lost the main event at WM 25 last year – and despite all that momentum he had that was sucked away from him then (last year was one of the few times I think a heel winning and closing WM would have made sense and brought a satisfactory conclusion) he STILL came back and is creeping his way into perpetual overness. No matter how much of a douche he is, Orton is going to get “RKO” chants. I think he wins as a “thanks for sticking it out with us” kinda thing. All I want – all I ask for, is for him to bring “The Pose” back. God, the crowd would just explode.

Winner: Randy Orton

Mathew Sforcina: The only way that the WWE could hope to get Ted over, which is the main goal, apparently, was if every second and third gen star they had under contract all ran out and ritualisticly killed Orton in the ring, then Ted, as the leader, pinned him. But again, I wonder, why is Cody in the match? He’s sided with Ted, so why isn’t this a Handicap? And again, I’m forced to think that, if they aren’t doing the Legacy double pin…

Winner: Cody Rhodes (Punt to Ted, covers Orton)

Andy Clark: In a perfect world Cody Rhodes would just go nuts and destroy both men, but I don’t see that happening here. Orton has been over like rover, but his Dad isn’t the one being inducted into the Hall of Fame. I say despite the fact that Orton has been the face in all this they try and do an awkward double turn thanks to some help from the “Million Dollar Man.”

Winner: Ted DiBiase

Michael Bauer: I know that I’m not the most excited about this match, but it has nothing to do with Orton facing his two drones. This match has been way too long in the making and while Orton being the face was not what I think everyone was expecting, it feels like a twist that I just can’t buy. Orton as an anti-face doesn’t feel right especially with all the work he has done being one of the best heels in the business. Now, the match has to be the way to split up the remaining Legacy members, with one going true face (if anyone believes it) and Orton just being himself.

Winner: Ted DiBiase

Jeremy Thomas: This seems to be a match that is trying to get Orton over more as a face, and thus I think the match goes to him. Ted seems to be the guy th4ey have all the faith in, so Cody will eat the pin. Any excitement I personally had with this match was lost in the rather directionless feud they’ve had and the fact that Legacy has been made to look completely incapable of defeating Orton. They may surprise me and deliver an awesome match, but I’m keeping expectations low here.

Winner: Randy Orton (RKO, Pins Cody)

Michael Weyer: The build has suffered a bit in the last few weeks but the drama of the match should still hold. I know some pull for either of the Legacy members to get the win and boost themselves but I see Orton playing them off each other so he could get the win but still put the others guys over well.

Winner: Randy Orton

Christian vs Dolph Ziggler vs Jack Swagger vs Evan Bourne vs Kane vs Drew MacIntyre vs Kofi Kingston vs Matt Hardy vs MVP vs Shelton Benjamin

Stephen Randle: The truly weak field of contenders makes me believe that whomever wins this match will have the ignominy of being the first person to fail to win when they use their MITB title shot. That said, Christian is pretty much the odds-on favourite after years of mistreatment, but I think everyone’s forgetting who really has a rocket strapped to their ass.

Winner: Drew MacIntyre

Aaron Hubbard: Kofi Kingston is in! YES! The ten-man format intrigues me; will it make the match crazier than ever, or will it finally kill it to the point where it’s overly ridiculous. Almost everybody in this match has been underutilized (with the exception of Drew MacIntyre, who is probably being overpushed). That being the case, expect Grade-A effort from everyone, and I think you’ll be surprised who comes out smelling like roses in this thing. I’m personally intrigued to see the kind of carnage Jack Swagger can unleash on the smaller guys. Dolph Ziggler is a great performer and a natural athlete; don’t be surprised if he pulls out something amazing. Of course, Kofi, Evan and Shelton are going to deliver the most awe-inspiring spots, and Matt and Christian will probably help guide the match. MVP and Drew are the odd ones: really, they probably should have had them face each other in a singles match, but alas. As for the winner? It’s a toss-up beteen Christian and Kofi Kingston, with Drew and Shelton as dark horses.

Winner: Christian (via tipping the ladder and sending Bourne flying into Kane, then getting the briefcase)

Chad Nevett: Looking at the ten guys involved, there are only a few who I would say have no shot of winning (Evan Bourne, Shelton Benjamin). Everyone else wouldn’t surprise me too much if they won, but I wouldn’t expect it either. No one stands out as a clear choice. Months ago, it looked like Kofi Kingston, but he’s been buried and added at the last minute, so who knows. MVP, Jack Swagger, and Dolph Ziggler have all had a series of start-and-stop pushes that change each week on someone’s whim. Christian and Matt Hardy are solid veterans who most of us would want to see get title shots, but McMahon doesn’t really perceive as main eventers. Kane is a wild card in that he is a main eventer at times, so giving him the briefcase wouldn’t be too out of line, but he’s also the one guy who doesn’t really need it. And I don’t know what to make of Drew McIntyre’s recent activities where he failed to qualify twice, had the loses expunged, earned his spot by beating a jobber, and then jobbed to the Undertaker. They seem high on him, but you wouldn’t know it from the last month. It seems relatively wide open with lots of people who could take it, but no one that looks like the smart choice, so I’ll just go with who I’d like to see win it.

Winner: Jack Swagger

Rob McNew: This one is just order of elimination. Cross a line through Ziggler, Bourne, Kane, Hardy, and Benjamin right off the bat and you’re down to five options. Both MVP and Kofi were given teases of elevation during the summer and fall and both stalled (not their fault). So cross them off. Swagger is starting to get a little more momentum, but as much as I’d LOVE to see him win this one I just don’t think they’re ready to pull the trigger on that one. That leaves two options. Drew McIntyre and Christian. Drew has been given a “chosen one” gimmick, and has McMahon’s backing in kayfabe. He won’t need the briefcase to get a title shot during the year if they want to pull the trigger on that one. Christian is the most over guy in this match, and the safest choice. He’s also the right one given the options.

Winner: Christian

Andy Critchell: The closer we get to the show, the more I really think that only two guy have a chance to win this; Drew MacIntyre and Kofi Kingston. Kofi could use the win to jumpstart his aborted push and MacIntyre can use the win to continue his push. Since MacIntyre still has the IC belt, I’m going to give this one to Kofi.

Winner: Kofi

Robert S. Leighty Jr: I have no problem with adding 2 more to this match because it’s a spotfest as it is and 2 more isn’t going to change anything. Shelton will do his normal crazy shit, and Bourne and Kofi will try to match him every step of the way. Kane is a seasoned veteran at this type of match and he knows his role well enough. Hardy is also a pro at this matches, and he will make sure to drop a leg from the ladder and keep things moving. Swagger is intriguing as he can play the power game and it will be interesting to see how he handles this kind of environment. I think MVP is a little low on the totem pole to get the win and I think Ziggler isn’t ready yet. To me this comes down to Kofi, Christian, or Drew. I can’t see Kofi because it seems they just tossed him in the match because he wasn’t anywhere on the show. I will be rooting for Christian (as will most of the crowd I figure) and in the end I think he gets the win that most feel he should have gotten last year.

Winner: Christian

Ari Berenstein: Ten men and a whole bunch of ladders going boom bang crash—love it. It certainly will keep the WWE production team on their toes, but maybe WWE will use picture-in-picture and viewers at home will get the best sense possible of what’s going on in all of the “controlled frenzy” (VINTAGE COLE) of this match. Also, thank you WWE for putting Kofi in the match because regardless of him being in any doghouse or whatever the guy will flat out produce in this forum. He had some really innovative and cool ideas last year and I think we’ll see some more this time around. I’m also very happy to see Evan Bourne making an appearance on the main card of Wrestlemania—who would have thunk? Keep an eye out on him to steal some of the spotlight. Now as for winners, realistically it’s going to be Kofi (who WWE could still want to put some shine on in their sometimes bass-ackwards way of pushing their talent), McIntyre (Vince’s “Golden Boy” both front and backstage) or Christian (most popular and main-event “ready” wrestler in this match). Kofi could have been the best choice three months ago, but not now. There’s a great story to tell of Christian winning and cashing-in on the same night either against Edge or Jericho or after the other title match and having both Edge and Christian, former partners, raising the WWE belts in the air to end the show. I don’t think WWE is ready to tell either story. I also don’t believe McIntyre will “win-and-cash in” should he gain the MITB briefcase. So who wins?

Winner: Jack Swagger

Steve Cook: Let’s discuss this one by one…

Christian: Probably deserves a win here more than anybody. He had an awesome year in 2009 carrying the ECW brand, and this would be a worthy reward that could push him to the next level.
Dolph Ziggler: Has potential, but he’s here to take bumps.
Jack Swagger: I don’t think WWE’s ready to push him with a victory here.
Evan Bourne: My favorite wrestler in this match, but he’s not here to win. He will probably do something completely insane, which will be good enough for me.
Kane: He has no chance of winning this, but the fans at the show will consider him a favorite. This is why he’s great to have in this match.
Drew McIntyre: Vince’s boy. What more needs to be said?
Kofi Kingston: WWE runs hot and cold on pushing him, so his chances here depend on how they feel about him on that day. The fact that he was added last probably speaks well for his chances.
Matt Hardy: Child please.
MVP: I don’t see it happening for him, hopefully he’ll have a chance to do something cool because that’s the most he can hope for.
Shelton Benjamin: He won’t win. But he will do something that will amaze all of us.

Your most likely winners from where I (and others) sit are Christian, Drew & Kofi. I’m going to go with the one I want to win, because I’m biased like that.

Winner: Christian

Julian Bond: I swear…I am THE WORST of getting some of my zany “conspiracy theory” predictions here. I sometimes go into the weird armchair quarterback mode and then try to theorize why my guess should be correct. But I think for once here, I’ll finally get one on the nose. I believe in my head that the only logical choice to win Money In The Bank is with Drew McIntrye. While a good portion of people may want Christian to get back on top and finally win a WWE World Title (…not counting ECW), a lot of signs point to McIntyre being the main guy to take it here. But this is where my zany theory comes in at…I not only think that McIntyre will win, but I also think that he’ll cash it in at Wrestlemania the same night to win the World Title to make this a first time that someone immediately cashed it in. Think about it….he’s the “chosen one” (kayfabe) by Vince McMahon…Vince seems to be now in the mode of shocking folks by doing random things like having rookies like Sheamus straight-up win the title on the first freakin’ try…if one pays close attention, they’ve been suddenly “hyping” up McIntyre’s theme music lately to the point where you HAVE to remember it (i.e. if it plays before he wants to cash in his briefcase we’ll all know who it is)…the guy’s been getting slowly getting some good heel heat by claiming VERY bogus victories that never happens (i.e. cashing in the briefcase during a feel-good “Mania moment” like Edge winning the title after being out on injury = the ultimate dick move…AND…the main fact that the WWE is having a PPV called “Money In The Bank” in a mere few months that they’ll presumingly “re-do” another ladder match to give away another briefcase for ther rest of the year. So there you have it. Let’s cross my fingers that one of my crazy predictions (next to the sole roundtable guess of Mick Foley winning the belt at TNA Lockdown last year) will actually come true.

Winner: Drew McIntyre

Len Archibald: Quick Note: The “smarky mark” in me wants secretly to have Shelton Benjamin be rewarded with a blindside victory, but I think that ship sailed a long time ago. So, until Kofi made it in, I think it was basically down to Christian or Drew MacIntyre. I think Christian could win, as a reward for sticking it out in ECW for so long – and to have a ready-made feud with Edge (OR Jericho – remember “Vitamin C”?), but I think unless something dramatic happens in the next 12 months, this is his to lose next year. MacIntyre is Vince McMahon’s personal pet project, and it is completely feasible that he wins, but I think the storyline for his “entry” is just a smokescreen of the real story of this match: Kofi’s final ascention into Main Event Status. No matter what people will make you want to believe, McMahonagement does not forget that MASSIVE reaction Kingston got at MSG. You make it there, where Vince calls his “home field”, you can make it anywhere.

Winner: Kofi Kingston

Mathew Sforcina: I’m sticking to me guns here. Christian wins, cashes in that night. If anyone else wins, they’ll cash it in next month. Either way, it’ll be a quick turn around, because they have the MITB PPV in a few months. Ergo they won’t want 2 briefcases floating about, so this one will be used quicksmart.

Winner: Christian (Push over Kofi and Drew’s ladder, then MVP and Shelton’s, then grabs briefcase.)

Andy Clark: There are three guys in this match with no shot: Matt Hardy, Kane, and Evan Bourne. Ziggler could use the briefcase to get over for a bit, but I doubt it. Same with MVP. Shelton could get it as a reward for always killing himself, but he certainly wouldn’t win the title and really the time for it would have been last year. Swagger would be great with the briefcase but I’m not sure if he’s there yet. That leaves Kofi, McIntyre, and Christian. Kofi has been kind of downgraded lately and after the Kennedy fiasco I don’t think they’d put it on McIntyre just yet. While I don’t want to be one of those “OMG Christian is so going to win” IWC guys, he does make some sense and has history with both Jericho and Edge if he wanted to cash it in that night.

Winner and 2010 Mr. Money in the Bank: Christian

Michael Bauer: First off, there is no way in hell the Money in the Bank winner cashes in this year. That said, only three of these ten people have a legit shot of winning: Christian, Kofi, and Drew. And Drew isn’t even that legit, he’s just the “chosen one” of Mr. McMahon, which is about as good as a death warrant. Just ask D’Angelo Dinero. What do I expect from this match? A shit load of awesome spots by the likes of Kofi, Shelton, Bourne, and Hardy and hell, maybe Kane will fly off the top rope like he always does. It will be a train wreck, but a fun one at that.

Winner: Christian

Jeremy Thomas: Let’s play the Process of Elimination game here. Kane isn’t going to win this. I love the Big Red guy, but his time as a World Title threat passed a long time ago. Evan Bourne, Dolph Ziggler, Matt Hardy and Shelton Benjamin, thank you for playing but you’re here as filler space and to do crazy stuff. MVP and Swagger just aren’t over enough and have no direction, and I think that the WWE knows the audience wouldn’t buy them as any kind of contenders. Drew is perhaps a slight threat considering that McManagment is high on him, but I wouldn’t buy it considering he’s on a “losing streak but not.” That brings it down to Christian and Kofi. If they wanted to pull the trigger on Kofi’s push, now would be the time; otherwise they could do Christian who certainly deserves a shot. I don’t think anyone who wins this will be winning the title, for the record. I think they’ll look competitive and maybe get a feud out of it, but this will probably be the first MITB winner not to win the belt. It’s tough for me to pick between Christian & Kofi, so coin flip says…

Winner: Kofi Kingston

Michael Weyer: MITB is always a highlight of the night and this should be no exception. It’d be great to see Shelton win after so many bouts but hard to see him in the main event scene right now. Ziggler, Swagger and MacIntyre are all possibilties as well but I see Christian as the most likely winner as they need him boosted for RAW or SmackDown and this is the best way to do it, plus we know he works wonders in ladder bouts.

Winner: Christian

Bret Hart vs Vince McMahon
No Holds Barred

Stephen Randle: Bret comes out, beats down Vince, Vince cheats to get a heat segment, Bret makes the big comeback, and Vince taps to the Sharpshooter. This isn’t the start of a bigger story, this is the end of the biggest story in pro wrestling history, and as such, it must end with the Hitman clearly triumphant.

Winner: Bret Hart

Aaron Hubbard: I really hope this doesn’t go longer than five minutes, maybe ten if Bret can pull a Ricky Steamboat from last year and have a good performance. Sadly, there won’t be any blood in this match, but I expect Bret to hit Vince with a chair and a monitor and a crutch at least. Vince will probably try some big bump and bring in someone like Kozlov or Ezekial Jackson in to try to get the upper hand. But lets face it, there’s only one way this ends. And it will be glorious.

Winner: Bret Hart (via submission, Sharpshooter)

Chad Nevett: More spectacle and emotion than quality, no doubt. There’s only one way this can go and that’s with the Hitman winning. Hopefully, this match is on the short side and not too bad.

Winner: Bret Hart

Rob McNew: I have no idea what to expect from this match, but I do think it will be better than people anticipate. Vince’s matches are almost always entertaining overbooked messes, and this one should be no different. I trust that Bret can do enough to hold up his end of the deal, and in the end Stevie Wonder can see the ending coming.

Winner: Bret Hart

Andy Critchell: There isn’t much to say here; if the result is anything less than Bret beating the crap out of Vince I will be pretty shocked.

Winner: Bret

Robert S. Leighty Jr: Bret Hart makes his in ring return and the fact that I will be there for it has me drooling. Vince McMahon has never had a bad match at WrestleMania and it won’t happen here either. For one night I pray they ditch the no blood rule and let these two beat the holy hell out of each other. They will use all the tricks they can to make this entertaining and it will end with Bret finally getting his revenge some 12 and half years after Montreal.

Winner: Bret Hart

Ari Berenstein: I have been such a huge Bret Hart fan over the years. Never in my wildest fantasy booking dreams did I ever foresee Hart returning to WWE in such an active role like the past three months. It’s been bittersweet—because it’s obviously very nice to see Hart on television, cutting heartfelt promos and basking in the spotlight one more time. However, it’s very clear that this is not the same Bret Hart from 1997 and that “The Best There Was” is no longer “The Best There Is”. Therefore I am hoping this is indeed the last hurrah for Hart in an active role in WWE unless he was to somehow become Raw’s new and permanent General Manager. Hart and McMahon are limited in their physical ability, so hopefully this is kept short and sweet, that Hart gets to beat down Vince from pillar-to-post, that Hart places McMahon in the sharpshooter and Mr. McMahon will be forced to tap out. That’s the storybook ending for all fans that were around to see the first “Montreal Screwjob” in 1997.

Winner: Bret Hart

Steve Cook: I almost want to make a contrarian pick because I think WWE’s crazy enough to do it, but I don’t want to give them any ideas. The Hitman deserves closure, and there’s no better time for it than now.

Winner: Bret Hart

Julian Bond: I am for one am SO happy that they decided to go with having this match instead of an once-predicted full-involvement with the Batista/Cena World Title match (i.e. McMahon managing Batista and Hart managing Cena). Not expecting a barn-burner of a match here, but am very much solely looking forward to the sight of Bret Hart finally putting the Sharpshooter on long-time kayfabe and real-life rival Vince McMahon.

Winner: Bret Hart

Len Archibald: Easiest match to call. Thirteen years in the making. Vince taps to the Sharpshooter to finally put Montreal behind us forever. Okay, that was an exaggeration; nothing is forever in pro wrestling.

Winner: Bret Hart

Mathew Sforcina: How this should go. Punch, Punch, Punch, Russian Leg Sweep on chair, Stomp to nuts, Sharpshooter, Vince taps like a drum major on speed, the end.

Winner: Bret Hart (World’s Longest Sharpshooter)

Andy Clark: Mr. McMahon’s cryptic threat of Bret getting screwed added some intrigue to this match. I’m guessing the Hart Dynasty makes an appearance (perhaps with Teddy in tow) and turn on Bret. Even after all that I still see the Hitman with the victory, leading to a tag team match with Cena against McMahon & Batista at Extreme Rules.

Winner: Bret “Hit Man” Hart

Michael Bauer: Never in a million years would I ever think this match would actually happen. Of course, this match will simply be hoping that Bret knows what he is doing in what I think is his first match since having a stroke. I’m only annoyed that they didn’t play up Vince “retiring” more in his storyline and how he would refuse to fight anyone, like when he turned down Rowdy Roddy Piper.

Winner: Bret Hart

Jeremy Thomas: If Bret doesn’t win, I will be beyond stunned. I don’t think this will be a great match, but I do think it will be overbooked enough to be wild and chaotic, the way that Vince’s ‘Mania matches usually are. I imagine that Vince will employ nefarious means to gain an advantage, and then some Harts will come out of the crowd and even the odds so that Bret can make Vince tap like a little baby in the middle of the ring. But somehow, I have a feeling this isn’t over, from Vince’s comment at the end of his promo with Bret on Raw. We’ll see, I guess.

Winner: Bret Hart (Sharpshooter)

Michael Weyer: You already had the build of 12 years of waiting but the great “fake injury” bit put it in a new dimension. Bret won’t be the same but as Vince is no master in the ring, it shouldn’t matter too badly. Vince will get his hits in but he knows everyone is coming to see Bret finally kick his ass all over the place. It won’t be a great match but a wonderful catheric experience for both the fans and Bret himself to finally put Montreal to rest once and for all.

Winner: The Hitman

Don’t go away yet, Part Two is just a click away!