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411 PPV Roundtable Preview: WWE Summerslam 2007
Good morning, everyone, and welcome once again to the place where the 411 staff makes their predictions for wrestling PPV’s. Sure, it’s not that scientific and probably a waste of time, but it’s fun too, and that’s why we do it. And speaking of fun, it’s time for WWE’s biggest party of the summer, Summerslam. Originally planned to feature a promotional match involving members of Jackass, circumstances changed and forced them to book competitive matches instead. What a shame.
For more on the build to Summerslam, be sure to check out Hayhurst’s Road to Summerslam PPV Preview. But in the meantime, check out what the 411 staff has to say about the 20th edition of one of WWE’s Big Four. And here’s the staff that decided to show up and offer their two cents.
Stephen Randle, The Wrestling News Experience
Ari Berenstein, Ring of Honor, communicating this month entirely in haiku
Mike Minotti, Can They Be Champ?
Andy Clark, The Shimmy
Michael Weyer, Shining A Spotlight
JT, um…mostly retired
Matt Short, The Navigation Log
Samuel Berman, ROH Roundtable
Bayani Domingo, Truth B Told
Daniel Wilcox, Schmozzes and Screwjobs
Scotty Flamingo, 411 Movies’ The Bullseye
Jeff Small, The Small-For-All News Report
Larry Csonka, Ruler of All He Surveys
Neil Borenstein, 411 Sports’ MLB Fastball
It’s too hot out to waste time, let’s look at the card for the alleged biggest party of the summer.
NOTE: Due to MVP’s heart condition, the MVP-Matt Hardy match for the United States title has officially been removed from the WWE.com official Summerslam card.
Stephen Randle: I’d like to pick Finlay, but I suspect we might be headed for Kane’s next semi-annual push or something, probably as a further thorn in Khali’s side.
Winner: Kane
Ari Berenstein:
Hot coffee again?
We saw this with Jericho.
Kane needs some decaf.
Winner: Kane via chokeslam into the Dunkin Donuts Mocachino machine, or something.
Mike Minotti: I’d like to think that the WWE may be tired of pushing Kane and would rather give Finlay a needed PPV win, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Well, if Batista wins the title at Summerslam, maybe they’d want Finlay to be a possible contender against him at Unforgiven. Maybe. That’s more of a dream than a prediction.
Winner: Kane
Andy Clark: I’m glad this made the show. This could be a good brawl. Not sure who to pick, but Finlay always seems to job so I’ll go with Kane.
Winner: Kane
JT: For some reason, the SD Creative team wants Kane to be a main-event threat more than they do with Finlay. I do not understand this logic, but at least I have recognized it before making a silly prediction based solely on my love for Finlay.
WINNER: Kane
Matt Short: This has been an okay filler feud so far. Nothing great, but just meh. It could go either way, but Kane feuds always seem to go more than a month so that would indicate a heel win. But Finlay never wins on PPV. Damn.
Winner: Finlay
Samuel Berman: Couldn’t care less. What an underwhelming match to return to the WWE Roundtables on.
Winner: Kane
Bayani Domingo: I hate the fact that both of these guys are just glorified “enhancement talents”. Finlay by far has the biggest fan support but for some reason they keep Kane around because…well, “You can’t Teach Size”. But according to this commercial I saw at 2 am you can buy this herbal enhancer that…uh…nevermind. There is no reason for either guy to either win or lose, neither has anything to gain by winning so with that in mind…
Winner: Kane
Daniel Wilcox: Well this is a match I’m actually looking forward. Not because Kane is likely to perform any better than he usually does but because Finlay will have a body part to work at and few people do that as well as Finlay. As I say this should enjoyable but neither man really has anywhere to go with the World title focus being on Batista, Khali and probably Taker when he returns, and the US title scene being dominated by MVP and Matt Hardy as it should be. What I’m getting at is… this is filler. And that means the outcome is a coin toss. Heads Finlay, tails Kane. It”s tailes.
Winner: Kane
Scotty Flamingo: Kind of an odd matchup. Could be a good stiff brawl.
Winner: Kane
Jeff Small: This is a solid addition to the card. Almost like the Undertaker/A-Train match from 2003 but just much better. Finlay and Kane have been going at it for a while and while they’ve done nothing fancy, the build has been solid. The real winner doesn’t really matter but on a card with so many faces winning, Finlay should pick up the duke here.
Winner: Finlay
Larry Csonka: The technical name for this match would be, “Filler.”
Winner: Kane
Neil Borenstein: This is a match with a few weeks build to it that should really come out strong. This will be a good brawl between two veterans and it could either open up a bit of a longer feud or just show up as a great match on the SummerSlam card. Either way, kudos to the WWE for adding this match.
Winner: Finlay
Stephen Randle: What are you, stupid or something? Don’t waste my time.
Winner: Triple H
Ari Berenstein:
Lo! Behold the King,
The King of Kings has returned.
Jesus is weeping.
Winner: Triple H via DQ thanks to a timely scepter shot that the ref catches.
Mike Minotti: Alright, it’s pretty safe to say that HHH isn’t going to job on his first match back since January. Still, I’m not expecting this to be a squash or anything. This should be a pretty competitive match. I do wonder if there’ll be a Jerry Lawler run in, however.
Winner: HHH
Andy Clark: Ever since this match was made I’ve had visions of Ultimate Warrior no selling the Pedigree at WrestleMania XII. Time for Triple H to get his own squash.
Winner: Triple H
Michael Weyer: Oh, please. Like Vince’s favorite son-in-law is actually going to lose in his big comeback with actual fan support behind him for a change.
WINNER: The King of Kings
JT: Well, one thing is for sure. I do not see a clean finish here for either party. The more and more that I’ve thought about it, it just doesn’t make any sense for them to have HHH come back and DESTROY King Booker. I’m hoping that SOMEONE who has Vince’s ear has been able to make that clear. There is a bigger pay-off on a smaller Pay-Per-View in the next month or two if they book this so that it is allowed to continue.
WINNER: King Booker via shenanigans
Matt Short: It’s not a question of who’s going to win, but how much offense King Booker will be allowed to get in. I hope it’s competitive.
Winner: Triple H
Samuel Berman: I’d love for them to make Booker look strong here, but I think we all know that’s not going to happen. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s going to be nice to have Triple H back on TV. Once Shawn’s back, we’ll really be getting somewhere.
Winner: Triple H
Bayani Domingo: I love King Booker but do I really think that this ends up with anything other than a HHH squash?
Winner: HHH
Daniel Wilcox: It’s going to be great to see Triple H back in a WWE ring again – it seems like it’s been years. For some reason people seem to think that this will either be a Triple H squash or a Booker win and there’s no middle ground. Well there’s no reason these two can’t go out there and a have a really competitive match wuth The Game still coming out on top. And while I agree there’s money to be made by extending the feud, that’s not the way usually handles these kinds of situations. And there’s no reason they can’t keep feuding even if Triple H does come out on top. Which he will.
Winner: Triple H
Scotty Flamingo: They’ve done a really good job hyping HHH’s return. I’ve never been a big fan of the guy and I’m even interested in him coming back. King Booker is an excellent heel and a good foil to bring Triple H back into the thick of things. Hopefully HHH is not coming back too early like the last quad injury. That time it took him nearly a year to get back into “Game” shape.
Winner: Triple H
Jeff Small: As awesome as it would be for King Booker to win this match, it’s just not going to happen. Here’s hoping Triple H will go for a quicker pin after hitting the pedigree.
Winner: Triple H
Larry Csonka: I hate to be brief, but if Booker actually gets a win I would be shocked. It just doesn’t happen with the returning star, especially one the level of the H’s.
Winner: Behold the King of HGH
Neil Borenstein: There’s no chance the WWE brings Triple H back just to have him drop a match to King Booker. I hope that this develops into maybe a three-PPV feud so that Booker can draw a big win against Trips somewhere along the way. But for as big as this return in, and the fact that the WWE stuck to their guns and didn’t debut Triple H earlier, the win here has to go to The Game.
Winner: Triple H
Stephen Randle: Can we finally see the end of this feud?
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Ari Berenstein:
Lo! Behold the Rey,
The Rey of Reys has returned.
Job to Khali next.
Winner: Rey Mysterio with the 619 into a silla.
Mike Minotti: Again, Rey isn’t going to job on his first match back… especially to Chavo. Here’s a slightly bolder prediction; this will be Chavo’s last singles PPV match for at least a year.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Andy Clark: I hope they keep Chavo in the upper midcard after this otherwise I’m pissed this is on the card.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Michael Weyer: See above, replace HHH with Rey. But expect a good match out of it.
WINNER: Rey Mysterio
JT: Unlike the previously mentioned feud, Chavo and Mysterio feuded for months before he left, so it seems stale to me to try and continue that. Therefore, quick win for the returning hero and he can dive right back into the swing of things on SmackDown.
WINNER: Rey Mysterio
Matt Short: Same here as the Triple H match. Almost no way they’ll let Rey lose in his first match back. I think they’ll be able to play up the drama a bit more and have Chavo be in control for most of the match though. Rey’s never exactly been booked in a dominant fashion.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Samuel Berman: I guess it’s returning former champion night in WWE. Seriously, they should have just waited a couple of more months and brought Hunter, Shawn, Rey & Edge back as a stable or something. Oh, and Undertaker. Can’t forget him. Put them against Punk, Morrison, Cena, Matt Hardy, Benjamin and Haas and you could have the great Old Guard vs. New Breed feud that WCW tried to get going during its dying days. I’m way off topic. Rey wins to re-establish himself until he gets fed to Khali (just like he was WHILE he was champion).
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Bayani Domingo: Why is this feud still continuing? I would think that any re-debut is an automatic win, but you never know, especially since HHH would want the limelight to himself so I’ll go out on a limb here… Just kidding.
Winner: Rey Rey
Daniel Wilcox: As much as I was against this when it was first announced I think it’s apparent that this won’t be a long rivalry and it’ll be kept to a one match deal to end the feud that will have lasted one full year by the time the match comes around. Due to knee problems, I’ve read that Rey has had to change up his whole arsenal in the ring so I’m intrigued as to what stuff we’re going to see, but either way, there’s no ridiculous background on this match so it should be a good one. I also think Chavo has done a great job of keeping the build up interesting on his own which is something I doubted he could do. But still, only one winner here my friends…
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Scotty Flamingo: SummerSlam could be the start of a new era for the E. They’ve been suffering since Wrestlemania with a roster that constantly shrunk with injuries. Now, two of their biggest names are coming back into the fray. Rey may not be as big a deal as HHH, but he is still a much needed shot in the arm for Smackdown. I almost could see Rey losing here because it is so predictable having the two returning guys go over, but sometimes it is better to be predictable and give the fans what they want.
Winner: Rey Rey
Jeff Small: It’s really nice to see Chavo in a decent feud again since his underwhelming Cruiserweight reign. While it makes sense for Rey to win the match here and move on with another feud, it seems as if the top stars are locked in multi-month feuds (like the main event). I still think Rey’s going to win but he might not leave the ring on his feet.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Larry Csonka: I hate to be brief, but if Chavo actually gets a win I would be shocked. It just doesn’t happen with the returning star, especially one the level of the Mexican Steroid Mule.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Neil Borenstein: I think it was a smart idea to start up where we left off with these two before Rey got injured. A return match against Chavo makes sense for Mysterio. But, unlike Triple H, I don’t think he’ll be walking out victorious here. It just doesn’t seem like good booking to have the two returning faces come out with the win. And since Chavo vs. Rey stands a better chance of going past SummerSlam, and Rey’s return isn’t as big as Triple H’s, I think Mysterio becomes the guy to drop it.
Winner: Chavo Guerrero
Stephen Randle: Beth Phoenix is the one apparently being pushed, but she can actually wrestle, so they wouldn’t let her win, would they? Maybe they can resurrect some form of the original storyline where Beth and Mickie used to be old friends after Beth beats Candice for the belt. At least it’d be a storyline.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Ari Berenstein:
Try to sell Divas
Without Volleyball, Dodgeball
or Car Wash? Get out!
Winner: Beth Phoenix (earns a title shot as the henchman of Melina to do the dirty work before she gets another crack at Candace)
Mike Minotti: This will be a pretty good opportunity for Beth Phoenix to finally stand out. She’ll get the win and then lose her title match, but this whole ordeal should hopefully establish her as something other than the new blond on Raw.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Andy Clark: So instead of Big Daddy V vs. The Boogeyman or Matt Hardy vs. MVP we get this? Oh, and have I ever mentioned how I hate No. 1 Contender’s Matches at Big Four PPVs (Royal Rumble & MITB not withstanding).
Winner: Krystal (T-Lo sends out D’Lo Brown to help her win)
Michael Weyer: That is a battle royal instead of a goofy T&A does elevate it a bit. Hard to pick a winner in these things but I do see Beth Phoenix getting a better push after her long absence and the fact she’s a knockout who can actually wrestle. So expect some decent action for a change in a women’s match.
WINNER: Beth Phoenix
JT: Ummmmm…. I have absolutely no idea where they are going with this. Therefore, it’s favorites time!
WINNER: And NEW #1 Contender to the women’s title, Victoria
Matt Short: This would be the mandatory diva’s match for the major PPV. Hey, at least it means something this time around.
Winner: Melina
Samuel Berman: Beth Phoenix is more interesting to me than any of the other participants, so let’s go with her. Although they did put her over on RAW, so they’ll probably do something dumb like give Torrie the win.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Bayani Domingo: I really wish I could care here. But I’ll go with the chick that hasn’t even been around long enough for people to know who the hell she is.
Winner: Beth Phoenix the Glamazonian princess warrior
Daniel Wilcox: If Maria’s not in this, who gives a shit?
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Scotty Flamingo: These things are totally random. Last time one of these happenend, McCool won out of the blue, but then never really did anything. I’ll just go with Phoenix since she’s been out for awhile.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
Jeff Small: The winner here must love life so the winner has to be Michelle McCool.
Winner: Michelle McCool
Larry Csonka: I’d like to see some titties please. Also, Mickie James’ Jean Tights are TREMENDOUS.
Winner: My Pants
Neil Borenstein: I think the writing is on the wall here for Michelle McCool to win this thing. I’m not really a huge fan of her getting pushed like she is, but she has been promoted a lot more. A match with her vs. Candice Michelle could be an utter disaster, so I wouldn’t be shocked if the WWE went with either Melina or Beth Phoenix here. But I’ll go with McCool considering what the WWE is doing with her.
Winner: Michelle McCool
Stephen Randle: I’m not sure why everyone seems to think that this match is all about Kennedy winning. Kennedy hasn’t won a meaningful match since before he got injured. Sure, maybe he’ll end up being a McMahon (and hey, if he doesn’t know that, who’s filing the paternity suit?), but I think this match is just to get Umaga on PPV after taking away the Jackass match.
Winner: Umaga
Ari Berenstein:
Consolation prize
for Kennedy, Carlito:
One is McMahon-spawn.
Winner: Umaga kills bitches like Samoa Joe was supposed to in TNA. Enjoy. Sargento Mozzarella, I miss you getting beaten up by Umaga already.
Mike Minotti: Remember how right about the time Umaga was chosen to represent Vince at WM23 they sort of just threw the IC belt on him in an attempt to make him look as legit as possible? I think they’re about to do the same thing for another superstar who’s about to align himself with Vince.
Winner: Mr. Kennedy
Andy Clark: This should be fun, although if we’re keeping Matt Hardy and MVP off the card I’m not sure why this couldn’t have been a one-on-one match. The only one I’m ruling out is Carlito, who’s only there to take the fall. Since Kennedy should be in line for some kind of push (they’ve mentioned Kennedy’s name too much in the Vinnie Mac story for him to turn out to be the kid) I say an IC run would work for him.
Winner and NEW Intercontinental Champion: Mr. Kennedy
Michael Weyer: The Umaga as face thing is working a bit better than I expected but also taking away from the savage drive of his character. So it seems time to get the belt off him and since Kennedy is already getting the push of the “Vince’s son” angle, he’s the likely canidate.
WINNER and NEW IC Champ: MIIIIIISSSTEEEEEERRR KENNNEDDY……KENNEDY!
JT: I think that the person who would stand the most to gain from this would be Carlito. They began to build him a couple of times but it has always sputtered and this would be an opportunity to boost him back up a little. That being said, I think Carlito is the last person who would win this match. I thought they were originally priming Kennedy for a main title not too long ago, but I have no problems with him holding the IC gold for a while first. In fact, I think that’s a better idea, and was actually kind of glad that he got hurt because this guy has all the potential in the world and I do not want to see that wasted with rushed world title reigns. Umaga loses nothing by losing this match. I’d guess he will not be pinned.
WINNER: And NEW Intercontinental Champion, Ken Kennedy
Matt Short: I’m grateful for the Intercontinental Title to be on the line at Summerslam. It might not automatically get the title the prestige is once had, but it still is a good call. I can see any of these guys walking away with the belt really. Well, not Carlito. Mostly I want to see Umaga walk away with it here, but I think that he doesn’t really need the title to stay over right now. Kennedy could use the extra momentum since he’s most likely to end up as Vince’s bastard. While Carlito is just there to fill out the third part of the triple threat, I don’t mind it. He’s been made an important part of Raw the past few weeks and should be on the PPV. It’s better that last year’s SummerSlam where they included no one from the undercard.
Winner: Mr. Kennedy
Samuel Berman: Oh good, the ‘I don’t have anything better to do’ match. Triple Threats are something of a Summerslam tradition (Rock vs. Angle vs. HHH, Edge vs. Jericho vs. Batista, HHH vs. Austin vs. Foley, etc.), so I guess we were bound to get this match one way or another. If I was them, I’d put the title on Kennedy, but I’m nto as attuned to WWE booking lately, and I guess Umaga is REALLY CATCHING ON as a face. Umaga will probably retain due to heel miscommunication, but they’d be smart to put a strap of one sort or another on Kennedy because I think he’s the guy with the most long-term potential from all of the newer guys.
Winner and STILL Intercontinental Champion: Umaga
Bayani Domingo: You gotta go with the 2 heels vs 1 face = heel miscommunication and face win, theory here. But then again if rumors are in fact true then Ken Kennedy’s push should start a little early. I think a little gold would do the trick.
Winner: Mr. Kennedy…… McMahon
Daniel Wilcox: This should be a really interesting match as all three guys are more used to working the heel role and Umaga hasn’t had much experienced being the face in a longer match. To make things look credible Carlito and Kennedy will spend most of the time teaming up against the champ but as is always the case it’ll soon turn into every man for his self. It’s likely that WWE’ll give Kennedy the title to give him some momentum for the McMahon angle but I also thinks it’s possible Carlito could steal it as it would seem management is pretty high on him lately. Oh wait, Jeff Hardy’s coming back? Oh in that case they’ll keep the title on Umaga and revisit that feud which is fine by me.
Winner: Umaga
Scotty Flamingo: I really don’t like Triple Threats. More often than not, they are used to protect someone rather than push someone. This’ll be pretty paint by numbers. Carlito and Kennedy will double team Umaga until one of them goes for a pin and they turn on each other. Umaga recovers and destroys both.
Winner: Umaga
Jeff Small: This match should allow JR to use the words “bowling shoe ugly” a bunch of times. Here’s hoping for an entertaining clusterfuck and not a boring one.
Winner: Umaga
Larry Csonka: One of these things doesn’t belong. For those keeping score, it’s Carlito, who sucks a cock.
Winner: Umaga
Neil Borenstein: A three-heel match? Wow. I am impressed. At the end of it all, I think Umaga will end up retaining the title just to keep his dominance going. But I do think a lot of close calls will go Mr. Kennedy and Carlito’s way, with them costing each other the match and allowing Umaga to get an opening for the win. This should open the doors for a Kennedy vs. Carlito feud, which could help push Kennedy further like the WWE wants to do.
Winner and STILL Intercontinental Champion: Umaga
Stephen Randle: Punk has to win here or be damaged. Not Samoa Joe damaged, but close.
Winner: CM Punk
Ari Berenstein:
Punk is full circle.
Year in fed, “Big Four” shows,
Finally a champ.
Winner: CM Punk- new ECW Champion with the Go 2 Sleep.
Mike Minotti: Man, I feel like I’ve already seen this match before… oh wait, I have. Almost several times. I’m assuming that the reason they’re dragging this out as long as they are is to give the belt to Punk. I can’t imagine the WWE is really behind Morrison enough to make him the face of ECW.
Winner: CM Punk
Andy Clark: I had been thinking that this would be Punk’s big moment, but having Morrison lose here would be killing his momentum just as he’s starting to get over as champion. I’m finally starting to dig this feud, so hopefully they can steal the show. Mark my words The Boogeyman will be the man to defeat John Morrison for the title.
Winner and STILL ECW Champion: John Morrison
Michael Weyer: The new gimmick has helped Morrison a lot getting over but fans have been wanting CM on top for a while and if WWE wants the ECW brand surviving much longer, they might have to finally listen and put it on the guy who can carry things.
WINNER and NEW ECW Champ: CM Punk
JT: Entirely too soon in my eyes for CM Punk to hold a world title. Of course, I’d have told you the same thing about Morrison before he won it. As my colleagues will tell you the money is in the chase, so I would think that Punk fans would get even more ravenous if he loses here, but then I wonder “well, who would Morrison feud with next?” as that roster is pretty thin. They may have by default exhausted themselves on this feud and they may be forced to put the title on Punk to keep this feud fresh.
WINNER: And NEW ECW Champion, CM Punk
Matt Short: This has been booked with mostly Punk getting the better of Morrison. And the logical booking would say that Punk will go over here and get the title. I mean hell, he’s already the face of ECW since they use him for the promotional stuff. However, Morrison is just starting to find his legs in his new role and his promos have been getting better. It really would benefit him to run with the title some more. He’d probably get a defense against The Boogeyman or something before facing Punk again. The match itself should be fine, so long as Morrison doesn’t let his nerves get to him. That always seems to be his problem, he messes up once and can’t recover. Despite what I said about Morrison, I’m going with the title change.
Winner: CM Punk
Samuel Berman: Remember like six months ago when I was talking about them building to Punk’s big title win at Summerslam (ok, so I was saying in a cage against Burke, but still…)? Well here it is. I’m not going to stray, as I think the time is right for them to move the belt to Punk and give him at least a cup of coffee as the top guy for one of the brands. Hopefully they’ll get 15-20 minutes to tell an interesting story and Punk doesn’t try to do anything he can’t do (his one fatal flaw during his ROH run).
Winner and NEW ECW Champion: CM Punk
Bayani Domingo: This is one of the best built feuds in the “e”, yet also one of the worst executions in the past 2 weeks since both guys have taken a back seat to BDV and Boogey. At this point Morrison is arguably the more intriguing wrestler right now but if Punk loses now then you can put him in the “JTTS” category.
Winner: CM Punk
Daniel Wilcox: It’s obvious that WWE is high on Punk as he wouldn’t have been in such high profile matches at Survivor Series and WrestleMania, and I commend them for waiting to put the title on him, which will inevitably happen here. On one hand I’m sad because Johnny Nitro has really come into his own since the gimmick change and has been performing really well, but I’m glad Punk is finally getting a win on a massive stage.
Winner: CM Punk
Scotty Flamingo: Punk is probably the only guy that fans of the old and new ECW will get behind. However, Punk has had issues with management in the past and the E holds grudges for a LONG time. Also, they have shown resentment towards favorites of the IWC (see Matt Hardy’s burial when he came back). Add to that the fact that Morrison is a homegrown boy who is actually over with the fans and I’ll say the title stays put.
Winner: Morrison
Jeff Small: This feud has carried the ECW brand for a few months but it’s time for it to be on the backburner for a while. I still think it’s too early for John Morrison to lose the title so I’m expecting another loss for CM Punk. Hey a choker gimmick worked well for Samoa Joe!
Winner: John Morrison (via POUNCE)
Larry Csonka: In a tribute to Ron Gamble, I shall use the MAGIC 8-BALL for the three world title matches!
Will young CM Punk win the ECW Title?
MAGIC 8-BALL: Absolutely!
Winner: CM Punk
Neil Borenstein: One would think this would be the spot CM Punk finally takes the strap from Morrison. But once he beat Morrison in that 15 Minutes of Fame match, I just got the gut feeling that the WWE wasn’t going to have Morrison drop the belt at the PPV. Giving Punk one win against Morrison, who has several victories over Punk at this point, is just a way to appease him and his fans, while Morrison gets the bigger win at SummerSlam. An ECW title reign is in Punk’s future, but it’s not happening yet.
Winner and STILL ECW Champion: John Morrison
Stephen Randle: See, I’m torn, because they seem to want to avoid giving Batista the belt again, but he does have a book coming out that they’ll want to promote. I think he wins by DQ and this feud continues for at least one more PPV.
Winner: Batista by DQ
Ari Berenstein:
Evacuate show!
Avert your eyes or go blind.
Bathroom break time now.
Winner: Great Khali via submission to the claw (referee stoppage)
Mike Minotti: Poor Batista… he’s lost so many title matches this year. I think he has a pretty good chance of winning this one, better than he’s had in a long time, but since I’m predicting so many tittle changes for this PPV, I’m going to say that Khali will retain this time.
Winner: The Great Khali
Andy Clark: A month ago I would have said Batista would win here. But they’ve been putting Khali over strong with the Claw so maybe they keep the belt on him so Taker can be the one to beat him for it.
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: The Great Khali
Michael Weyer: Okay, keeping it at the Bash was fine but WWE has to realize they’re better off giving it to Batista now. I’ve never cheered for him more than this as, okay as he is, Khali just doesn’t work as the champ so well.
WINNER and NEW World Champion: The Animal
JT: Surprisingly, these two big men and also Kane (pick whichever combination you like) have put on some “not-shoot-myself-in-the-head” matches. Either way, let’s hope this one is over quickly.
WINNER: And NEW World Heavyweight Champion, Big Dave
Matt Short: Khali has done better in his role as champion that I would ever have imagined. Or that I would ever give him credit for. Chalk it up to the CLAW I guess. This one isn’t going to be pretty in the slightest and I don’t see Batista winning. Because he never wins basically. Don’t worry though, he’ll be in the title match at the next PPV too.
Winner: The Great Khali
Samuel Berman: Khali seems to have lucked into a great situation, as moving the title back to Batista seems like a lateral move at best (which says a lot about how Dave’s stock has fallen over the last two years). At this point, why not keep the belt on Khali and build up someone unlikely to unseat him (Hardy?), thus increasing the rub because guys like Batista and Kane had already failed to do so. It’s hard to stomach (and won’t make me watch until something interesting starts to happen), but maybe Khali as champion isn’t the worst thing in the world.
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: The Great Khali
Bayani Domingo: I don’t know what to believe but I just can’t go against a fellow Pinoy. Screw the ‘haters’, Pinoy Power 4 Life!!!!
Winner: Batista, via God saving us from a Khali title reign
Daniel Wilcox: So CM Punk’s won’t be the only Go2Sleep we’ll be seeing tonight. There’ll also be all the fans at ringside, and those watching at home. Even though Batista has brought his A Game to PPV this year, Khali isn’t quite on the level as Edge or Taker and this match will suck because of it. And you know what’s worse? Khali will win and I’ll die a little inside.
Winner: The Great Khali
Scotty Flamingo: The question is does Vince want to give Batista another shot or is the future of the company with someone new? I’ll say they give the ball to Batista one more time and see if he runs with it.
Winner: Batista
Jeff Small: God, this match looks worse than last year’s Booker/Batista match. Here’s hoping it’s short. Really short.
Winner: Batista
Larry Csonka: Can Batista actually defeat the PUNJABI GIANT?
MAGIC 8-BALL: Outlook not so good.
Winner: The Great Khali
Neil Borenstein: Well, this match could be really bad. But the shorter it is, the better it might be. And I think in a 10-15-minute brawl, these two could out together something decent. The bigger thing here is what happens to the title. I think Batista reclaims his championship here and ends The Great Khali’s actually pretty decent reign. I said it last month so I won’t change here. And I think the bigger PPV, Batista becomes World Heavyweight Champion again.
Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Batista
Stephen Randle: Gee, I wonder who I’m not going to pick here. Honestly, as decent as he’s been booked, I still can’t buy Orton as champion, mostly because he pales in comparison to pretty much every other potential champion I can think of.
Winner: John Cena
Ari Berenstein:
I’m Randy Orton
And I say everything twice.
I’m Randy Orton.
Winner: John Cena with the FU to retain the title, Dear God I hope so.
Mike Minotti: Orton has been booked extremely well the last few months, and now it’s culminating in this. Cena has practically retained his title against the whole locker. He had a great reign, and really doesn’t have much more to prove. Having him spend more time with the belt isn’t going to get him anymore over. Orton, on the other hand, is on the verge of being Raw’s undisputed top heel. His title win at SummerSlam will cement that position for himself.
Winner: Randy Orton
Andy Clark: A while ago I would have bet the farm on Orton. I still think he’ll win, but they’ve been putting him over Cena mighty strong heading into the show, and traditional booking favors the underdog. I would love to see Cena hold onto the title until Unforgiven so he could have a legit one year title reign, but if they want Orton’s big moment to seem special and not anticlimactic they have to do it here. Plus, if Orton wins here then they never have to mention his 2004 win again over you know who.
Winner and NEW WWE Champion: Randy Orton
Michael Weyer: I think we know where this is headed. Bad attitude aside, Orton has been getting the big push for a while and does have the classic heel persona to get over as champ. Cena is long overdue to drop the belt and this would enliven things on RAW a bit. So, as much as I like Cena, it’s time for the Champ to take a fall.
WINNER and NEW WWE Champion: The Legend Killer
JT: I do believe that Orton will get another shot at being a world champion sometime in the near future. I just don’t believe it will be this time. If my prediction for the Triple H / Booker feud is correct, then Orton will have a PPV or two to finally defeat John Cena.
WINNER: And STILL WWE Champion, John Cena
Matt Short: Orton has surprised a lot of people (myself included) by not getting fired over the past year. What’s even more surprising is that he seemed to realize that his job was on the line and stepped up his game. He’s had some good matches since then and is now in the main event against John Cena. Cena has been getting good matches out of everyone he’s been up against, even guys that most people can’t stand. For example The Great Khali. Hell, even his match against Snitsky on Raw wasn’t offensive. What makes this hard is that while Orton has been booked strongly against Cena, you should never EVER bet against the champ. But I’m going to ignore my own advice though.
Winner: Randy Orton
Samuel Berman: I don’t like Orton and don’t buy him as champion. I think he’s been carried to every good match he’s ever had and can’t bring the goods either at the gate or in the ring. Shocking as this might be to some people, I actually really like John Cena and think he’s the best WWE promo man of the post-Rock, Jericho, Foley & Eddie era. He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s hard to deny that he always brings his A-game on Pay-Per-View and has worked great matches against guys a lot of fans thought were literally uncarriable. I genuinely hope he gets to keep the belt here and goes on to complete a full year as champion.
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: John Cena
Bayani Domingo: I don’t have anything to add that everyone else hasn’t already said. But I think if there is a time to push Orton it has to be now. Not just now, but…Right NOW. Cena could at least use a little title chase to freshen up a bit and if Orton doesn’t win then Cena is out of challengers till HHH turns heel.
Winner: and NEW WWE Champion….Randall Orton
Daniel Wilcox: I’m completely torn on this one. On one hand the feud has been so one-sided it would seem that Cena must win, but there’s just something about the build and atmosphere surrounding this match that suggests a title change. Maybe it’s just a history thing as Orton won his first title 3 years ago at this very event. Either way, it should be a great match and is one I’ll be marking out for at the end either way.
Winner: Randy Orton John Cena Randy Orton
Scotty Flamingo: I can’t stand Orton, but at least we are back to someone who is a credible threat to the title. The office is in love with both of these guys, so I could see either getting the rub. Orton has been getting a monster of a push though, and a loss here will pretty much wipe him out. I’ll go on a limb and say Orton gets a short reign to see if he’s mature enough to carry the company.
Winner: Orton
Jeff Small: Now’s the time for John Cena’s championship reign to end. There’s only so many more people Cena could actually beat until he becomes staler than week old bread so it’s better to have him chasing the title for a while. Cena will always be a main eventer in the WWE; he’s just going to be title-less for a while.
Winner: Randy Orton
Larry Csonka: Is the Cena era over?
MAGIC 8-BALL: NO WAY!
Winner: John Cena
Neil Borenstein: Nope, not gonna do it. I refuse to even remotely buy into Randy Orton as WWE Champion. I don’t believe in rewarding scum, and that’s what Orton has been in the WWE. I know it’s a popular opinion that he will win, but the hell with Orton. I’m happy with John Cena as champion, who is much more deserving of his spot at the top.
Winner and STILL WWE Champion: John Cena
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