RAW Results: 3/29/10 - No Go for Jack Swagger

The Champ is Here, or is He?

Many moments were made at WrestleMania, the start of a career and the ending of one, but the culmination of the face of the company came down to John Cena tapping out Batista. Two years ago at Summerslam, Batista defeated John Cena in a one-on-one match; yet, Batista has based this whole WrestleMania title defense on that one match. Batista kept saying that John Cena has never defeated him, yet it was only one match. John Cena, the new WWE Champion yet again, presented Batista with a rematch for the WWE Championship. However, John Cena knowing full well that Batista will decline the opportunity for another night, narrorates to the WWE Universe on Batista's next move. This whole John Cena being the champ thing is a drag and we know, and John Cena knows it, that the following day it is usually the same thing over and over again. Why must we be tortured of seeing these things again?

Or is it the same? Jack Swagger, this year's Mr. Money in the Bank, attacked John Cena with the briefcase and called for a referee to cash in for the WWE Championship. Then again, John Cena managed to shake it off and almost caught Swagger in the STF, but Swagger escaped and declined his cashing in. If Swagger were to have cashed in and tapped out, it would have been the biggest waste of a Money in the Bank contract in history; in addition, it would have been the first time that a Money in the Bank contract did not yield a champion.

WWE Going Back in Time
Christian vs. Ted DiBiase - 80's Lumberjack Match

By order of the stars of the Hot Tub Time Machine (who travel back in time to the 80's), issued that the first match be contested under Lumberjack rules. And because the stars go back in time to the 80's, the lumberjacks are all legends from the 80's: "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, Irwin R. Schyster, Pat Patterson, Nick Bockwinkel, Arn Anderson, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Sgt. Slaughter, Tony Garea, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, and Jerry "The King" Lawler.

The Lumberjack match was between Christian and Ted DiBiase Jr.,. Neither men accomplished their goals at WrestleMania, but this is a RAW to remember because it is Shawn Michael's farewell to the WWE Universe. So if there was ever a time to make an impact it would be on this night. The two traded blows but after both Christian and DiBiase went over the ropes that's when the lumberjacks started trading blows to one another. You can that the wrestler out of the fight, but you cannot take the fight out of the wrestler. Christian capitalized on the distraction with a Killswitch to win the match.

10-Diva WrestleMania Rematch

At WrestleMania, Vickie Guerrero paid tribute to her late husband with the Frog Splash, or Bullfrog splash to win the match. However, this rematch lasted only 3 seconds, exactly the amount of time it takes to cover an opponent as Eve Torres scooped the Divas' Champion Maryse for the 1-2-3. And if that were not pointless enough, the divas "brawled" at the conclusion of the match, with the babyfaces on top.

Miz has Gold, but no Hart
ShoMiz vs. The Hart Dynasty (Non-title)

Bret Hart congratulates Shawn Michaels on the end of his storybook career. He admits that Shawn Michaels is the best wrestler of all time, and coming from "The Hitman" that means something. He thanks his mother, father, brother Owen, and D.B. Smith from Heaven for giving him the strength to return back to the WWE in order to find closure to the Montreal Screw job.

Leave it to the ShoMiz to ruin a fond farewell of the Hitman as The Miz mocks Bret Hart for winning his glorified 25-on-1 match against Vince McMahon. Win one match at WrestleMania and The Miz gets a swelled head. But you have to admire the heel streak of The Miz from mocking JBL a few months ago in a promo, to mocking Bret Hart. And Miz is right in stating that Bret Hart is overrated. The WrestleMania match between Bret and Vince was one of the worst worked matches in recent history. So when it came time to knock Bret Hart out of the ring, The Hart Dynasty provided back up.

Ever since helping Bret Hart out at WrestleMania which saw a Hart Attack utilized on Vince McMahon, The Hart Dynasty have gotten a wave of momentum, especially becoming instant fan favorites. In a non-title match against ShoMiz, The Hart Dynasty put the champions on notice. David Hart Smith placed Miz in a standing vertical suplex and Tyson Kidd managed to withstand Big Show's punishment due to his relentless energy and resilience. Yet, Miz, for some reason, tagged himself in when Big Show had Tyson locked in a chin lock. The match spiraled out of control for ShoMiz as the Harts connected the Hart Attack on Miz followed by a Sharpshooter. But before Miz could tap out, Big Show dragged Miz out of the ring and they were counted out. If the Miz wasn't so cocky and allowed The Big Show to do what he does best, than these things wouldn't happen. And even though the Harts did not pin or submit either Miz or Big Show, they still have a win over The Unified Tag Team Champions.

Mr. RKO trumps Mr. MitB
John Cena and Randy Orton vs. Batista and Jack Swagger

Never in a lifetime would anyone expect to see John Cena and Randy Orton willingly work together as a team. The main event match was Jack Swagger and Batista against John Cena and a partner of his choosing. And to have Randy Orton as his tag team partner is not only a shock but a statement that Randy Orton has become a fan favorite. John Cena and Orton have been mortal enemies ranging from 2007-2009, and it all came to an end at Bragging Rights as John Cena defeated Orton for the WWE Title in a one-hour Iron Man Match. But Orton's hatred for the men of Evolution, the faction he was a part of in 2005, runs deeper. Orton will never forget the night when Evolution turned on him after winning the World Heavyweight Title.

Randy Orton prevailed at WrestleMania, forever severing him from The Legacy. The match was a renewal in his career, and this main event generated more momentum from the WWE Universe. As the fans over on SmackDown chant "Spear," those of RAW chant "RKO." Randy Orton struck Batista and Jack Swagger with RKO's, and covered Swagger for the win. Mr. Money in the Bank, Jack Swagger is no where near ready to cash in that contract for the WWE Title if he cannot keep up with the RAW main-eventers.

WrestleMania XXVI: Part 1

WRESTLEMANIA XXVI

Unified Tag Team Championship Match: ShoMiz vs. John Morrison and R-Truth

Just like Night of Champions when Chris Jericho introduced The Big Show as his replacement partner, The Unified Tag Team Championship Match opened the show.

R-Truth came skipping and jumping down the ramp of the University of Phoenix Stadium, which is a great start to what each year promises to be the greatest wrestling spectacle of the year. John Morrison came down the ramp and bent space and time with the slow motion pose; while the reigning champions, ShoMiz charged down the ramp looking to annihilate the competition.

From The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff, The British Bulldogs, The Hart Foundation, to Demolition, The Rockers, The Hardyz, Edge and Christian, and The Dudleys, the Tag Team Championships have always created many great WrestleMania moments. However, with the passing of the time tag team wrestling is becoming a thing of the past. Therefore this championship match was short and concise, just allowing each wrestler about a minute of in-ring time before Big Show sneaked a tag and K-O'ed John Morrison.

Randy Orton's Voices Saved Him

Triple Threat Match: Randy Orton vs Cody Rhodes vs Ted DiBiase

At WrestleMania there are some things that must happen, and this Triple Threat was one of them. The reason why so many people have been cheering for Randy Orton in recent weeks is because they knew that the demise of Legacy was nearing.

With the assistance of Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, Randy Orton was portrayed as a weak competitor relying on his lackies to fight his fights. Yet, before Legacy came along, Orton was The Legend Killer and reigned as the WWE Champion in a period known as The Age of Orton. There is no secret that Legacy has been holding him back, and after last night, Randy Orton has returned.

Cody Rhodes, believed by some to be going over in this match, entered the arena with a new entrance theme (TBA), red trucks, and white boots. Most likely in honor of his father "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes.

Ted DiBiase, the only one who entered to the Legacy "Its a New Day" theme, has always pretended to be on Orton's side, but no one has had more resentment that the son of "The Million Dollar Man." Speaking of, Ted DiBiase's father was inducted to the Hall of Fame class of 2010.

The match resembled a handicap match as Rhodes and DiBiase double teamed on Orton. Yet, their egos got in the way as DiBiase attempted a cover while Rhodes went for the moonsault. The severed alliance allowed The Viper to grab both Rhodes and DiBiase for a Double Hanging DDT. Then, almost as if he was listening to the voices in his head, Orton viciously punted Cody Rhodes in the head, and then wildly struck DiBiase with the RKO while avoiding Dream Street.

Orton took back his mantel on top of the ropes and outstretch his arms in glory of his victory. The backdrop behind Orton simply read RKO with the image of wings, sending the message that the burdon has been lifted and Orton is free.

Smells like "American" Money
Money in the Bank Ladder Match

For the first time in two years, The Money in the Bank Ladder Match revealed a new victor other than C.M. Punk, "The All-American-American" Jack Swagger. This contest of ladders holds far greater importance than probably any other match at 'Mania because it represents the company's pick of who should become the next World Champion. Much like Rob Van Dam, Edge, and C.M. Punk, Jack Swagger has the rare opportunity to capture either his first WWE or World Heavyweight Title.

Yet, becoming Mr. Money in the Bank was not a simple task because this year's MitB was a close call as each superstar were finger tips away from cementing their careers. Evan Bourne could have gone for it, but like all high flyers, he decided a Shooting Star Press was the way to go. Matt Hardy and Christian exchanged blows at the top of the ladder, each touching the briefcase for a fleeting moment. Either of these two ladder technicians would have been an odds on favorite to win the match, but others followed suit.

This year Kofi Kingston provided another strange display of climbing ladders as took the two halves of the broken ladder to walk over to the briefcase, Cirque du soleil style. MVP and Shelton Benjamin both making their way to the top warded off the other from reaching the briefcase. But whether you were perfection, the chosen one, or simply the only former world champion, it was all about strategy, thinking with your head, and having the mental fortitude to become the next World Champion. Congratulations to Jack Swagger for reaching the apex of his career, and starting a new chapter. Far from the land of extreme where Swagger became the ECW Champion within a few months, Swagger has the opportunity to escalate his career even further.

SmackDown Results: 3/26/10 - Final Momentum Towards WrestleMania

The Final Confrontation: Canadian DNA

Chris Jericho praises his WrestleMania oppoenent Edge. He is a tremendous performer, his drive and determination is second to none. There has never been anyone in the business able to come back from as many injuries as Edge. Came back three months early from his Achilles Tendon injury, won the Royal Rumble and that is an impressive story. Chris admits that Edge has every tool to defeat him except for one, DNA. Chris Jericho has never been injured, but Edge is constantly injured. Chris Jericho has vowed that he will use that flaw to end Edge's career.

This is not a Title vs. Career match, but Jericho will look to tear Edge's tendon. Both Edge and Jericho can endure pain, but Edge is accident prone. As Jericho said, it all comes down to DNA.

Final Momentum: John Morrison and R-Truth Going Over with fans

John Morrison and R-Truth are desparetly trying to go over with the fans with rendition of early 90's jokes, "If it was an eating contest, Big Show'd be undefeated." Whether The Miz and Big Show are the most dominate tag team or not, John Morrison and R-Truth will most likely not go over at 'Mania.

The main event in this 3-match SmackDown, with the other 2 being aired on WWE Superstars, featured R-Truth against The Big Show. As per usual, Big Show dominated the match but missed a high flying elbow drop. Then Morrison came in and the two executed a double DDT. Truth struck Show with a head scizzors kick followed by Morrison with the Chuck kick. Miz entered to then be struck with the Lie Detector and Starship Pain.

Whether Morrison and Truth deserve it or not, they have all the momentum going into this match.

SmackDown Results: 3/12/10 - Punk's Challenge and Show's Dominance

Mysterio in Family Feuds?

As Rey shared his personal life to the WWE Universe and started singing to his daughter Aaliyah on her birthday, C.M. Punk, and The Straightedge Society, interrupted the festivities.

Mysterio's family were scared, especially little Aaliyah who was in tears at C.M. Punk's frighting melody. Either the Mysterio household never bothered to follow up on Rey's feud with C.M. Punk, or Punk smells worse than he looks. The latter is probably untrue, but the Mysterio household, I feel, was forced into this storyline.

Punk issued a WrestleMania challenge to Rey Mysterio, while demeaning him in front of his family, calling him a pathetic coward. Mysterio has not yet accepted Punk's challenge, but with only two weeks left till WrestleMania, Punk is definitely creating some intense animosity.

Bottom of the Poll for Luke Gallows

Impressively taking on Rey Mysterio last week, Luke Gallows tested his strenghts with Kane. Against one of the more established giants in the WWE, Luke Gallows went hold for hold against Kane. Even at times, Luke appeared dominate, with a suplex, and a standing frog splash.

Kane somehow managed to win the match with a chokeslam. Yet, the Straightedge Society would not be outdone as Punk struck Kane with the GTS.

Miz-erable Week for Miz

The Miz ended the week 0-3 against R-Truth. Miz was on the opposing side of a beat down by Truth and Morrison on RAW. The Miz, in a tag team match with Daniel Bryan, was pinned by Otunga and Truth on NXT. And thanks to Bryan, Miz lost his singles match against Truth on SmackDown.

David Otunga and Daniel Bryan were present at ringside during the match. Truth delivered some great offense, but Miz fought back to connect with some game changer maneuvers. The end of the match was mired in controversy as Daniel Bryan knocked off Miz's feet during a blatant pin attempt. R-Truth captialized on the distraction with the Lie Detector, gaining momentum for both WrestleMania and NXT.

Chuck Fact: Flying Chucks work on The Big Show - Fail!

On NXT, Daniel Bryan criticised Miz's career of being carried to the top by his tag team partners. Interestingly enough, this next match showcased those tag partners: The Big Show against John Morrison.

The Dynamic Duo of John Morrison and R-Truth have built some steady momentum, with a contendership win last week, beating down ShoMiz this week, and earlier in the program Truth picked up a win over Miz. But the biggest challenge is that of the World's Largest Athlete, The Big Show.

John Morrison provided every possible offense that he had, but Big Show chopped him down to size. The Big Show almost ended the match when he secured the sleeper. But Morrison was able to reach the ropes, thus breaking the hold. Morrison returned back with a flurry of kicks to the head. The end of the match came in the form of a mid-air collision when Morrison's flying Chuck Kick was stopped by a devastating knock out punch.

Despite all the loses that The Miz has incurred this past week, he can take solace in knowing that The Big Show is the other half of the Unified Tag Team Champions.

McIntyre Heading to WrestleMania, Undefeated?

Just as predicted, Vince McMahon erased McIntyre's second loss and placed him in another Money in the Bank qualifier. One would assume that after Evan Bourne won this past Monday, bringing the total to 8 contestants, that McIntyre would be out of WrestleMania? But when you have McMahon on your side, anything is possible, just ask Batista.

Teddy Long modified Drew's third MitB Qualifier as a Winner Takes All match, in which the Intercontinental Title would also be at stake. If Drew were to lose this match, he would not only miss out on WrestleMania, but he would no long her the I-C Champion. After defeating a local wrestler, Drew McIntyre retained his title and became the 9th participant in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. My prediction is that the MitB match will be evened out to 10 contestants, which will include Kofi Kingston as the most qualified qualifier.

RAW Results: 3/8/10 - Pushes and Failures

Major Push for Eve Torres
(Six-Divas Tag Match) Eve Torres, Gail Kim, and Kelly-Kelly vs. Maryse, Alicia Fox, Katie Lea

After pinning Alicia Fox last week in a Diva Pajama Pillow Fight Match, Eve Torres scored the biggest victory of her career by defeating the Divas' Champion in a Six-Divas Tag match. The match also included: Gail Kim, Kelly-Kelly, Alicia Fox, and Katie Lea.

To emphasize, Eve Torres not only defeated Maryse but she made her tap out to the same armbar lock submission that crowned Michelle McCool as the inaugural Divas' Champion - The Bash, 2008.

In addition, it appears that Gail Kim has passed the torch to the 2007 Diva Search Winner. During last week's match, Eve dropped kicked Gail Kim out of the ring in order to capitalize on Alicia Fox; now this week, after submitting the Divas' Champion, Gail Kim raised the arm of Eve Torres as a sign of mutual respect, and transference of status.

Since coming over to SmackDown in 2007, and later being drafted over to RAW during the tri-branded Divas Draft, Eve Torres has been steadily working her way up the ladder, and with a win over Maryse, expect a Championship match.

WWE's Faulty Tag Team Division
ShoMiz vs. John Morrison and R-Truth

The Miz, in regards to the #1 contenders, states that ShoMiz is a dying breed because they are the last great tag team that the WWE has to offer.

A shot at his former tag partner John Morrison, the man who truly carried Miz; or a blatant shot at WWE's lack of development in the tag team division?

During the first half of the last decade, WWE had epic tag team matches, which ranged from TLC, ladder, and championship matches. But after the Invasion died out, WWE were left with two sets of tag titles and not enough tag teams to contend for them. Hence, WWE decided to fuse the titles together.

But after a year since the Unified Tag Team Titles were created, it looks as though WWE has exhausted all of its tag team possibilities, that they must rely on a makeshift team of two elevated midcarders to contend at WrestleMania.

The fault obviously lies with the WWE for its lack of development. Every time a formidable tag team was created, plans of sepration soon followed. Separating teams has always been WWE's rash attempt to create big name stars, such as Shawn Michaels (The Rockers), Edge (The Brood), and Jeff Hardy (The Hardys); yet, it doesn't always work out to that effect. Teams such as The World's Greatest Tag Team, The Colons, Hawkins and Ryder, and Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch suffered severely from the breakups.

In a warm-up match between ShoMiz and John Morrison and R-Truth, the new team disregarded the referee's 5-count and double teamed both members of ShoMiz to state the credibility of the new alliance. But in a championship match, where the rules will matter, Morrison and Truth will have to rely on expert tag team knowledge, which Morrison has, to overcome the Last Great Tag Team.

The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of The Legacy
(Handicap Match) Randy Orton vs. Legacy

In an age of wrestling where new stars need to emerge, comes the rise, fall, and rebirth of The Legacy. Since its formation in 2008, Randy Orton has been mentoring and pushing both Ted DiBiase Jr. and Cody Rhodes.

Sons of Ted DiBiase and Dusty Rhodes, respectively, these second generation superstars are far from the legendary statuses of their fathers. But, ruled under Orton's iron fist, they have attained their own identities.

Within the past year, signs of Legacy's downfall were eminent. Rhodes and DiBiase were becoming fan favorites, supressed under an unruly Orton. But after his matches against Sheamus, Orton is now associated as the fan favorite.

This week, Randy Orton faced off against Rhodes and DiBiase in a handicap match. Orton attacked Rhodes and DiBiase during their entrance, thus setting the tone of the match. He then dominated the match by establishing his superiority over his proteges. Outmatching Rhodes and DiBiase, Orton continued to conquer each one individually, until Legacy started using their heads. Rhodes, the cause of many of Orton's loses to Sheamus, provided the distraction on the outside, therefore, allowing DiBiase to strike with Dream Street for the win.

The Legacy rose in 2008, it fell in 2010, and the rebirth of two new superstars will be determined.

Evan is 'Air-Bourne' to WrestleMania
(Money in the Bank Qualifying Match) William Regal vs. Evan Bourne

After defeating William Regal, last Thursday on WWE Superstars, Evan Bourne was slated in a rematch against The English Blue Blood, but this time it was for the final spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder match. Learning from the last encounter, Regal overpowered Evan with a hip toss and a butterfly suplex. But he failed to calculate the split-second reaction from Evan Bourne, as he evaded the Knee Trembler. Bourne struck the momentarily distracted Regal with a knee strike, which was followed by Air Bourne. In his fourth-straight victory thus far, Evan Bourne will be going to WrestleMania.

The Final List of Money in the Bank Competitors Are: Shelton Benjamin, Dolph Ziggler, Kane, Matt Hardy, Christian, MVP, Jack Swagger, and Evan Bourne.

WWE's Aborted Superstars
Mr. McMahon vs. John Cena

On a history making Monday Night, where TNA promised the in-ring returns of retirees, Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan, WWE promised a main event pitting the Chairman of the Board, Vincent Kennedy McMahon against John Cena. And not only would McMahon face off against John Cena, but he vowed that he would pin Cena for the 3-count. However, McMahon did not promise that he would actually wrestle John Cena. Therefore, McMahon created stipulations, mid-match, to contour to his benefit.

The first stipulation was a Gauntlet Match involving Vladimir Kozlov, Drew McIntyre, Jack Swagger, and Mark Henry. After Vladimir's Iron Curtain, Drew's Armbar Takedown, Swagger's body splashes, and Mark Henry's World's Strongest Slam, John Cena managed to kick out each time.

McMahon, who covered Cena after each maneuver, out of frustration changed the stipulation to a No-DQ match. Eventually, Batista, who promised that he would not interfere with the match, attacked Cena with two Batista Bombs in a row. McMahon, as promised, pinned Cena.

McMahon's Gauntlet Match incorporated superstars which either the WWE is currently working on, or have given up on:

Vladimir Kozlov: Started out in the WWE Championship picture against Triple-H and Jeff Hardy, until he was banished to ECW. Kozlov was then brought back to SmackDown only because ECW had ended. WWE, realizing their failed attempts at creating a powerhouse superstar in Kozlov, have currently no plans to further his development.

Drew McIntyre: Undefeated until two weeks ago, Drew has lost two consecutive matches and has failed to earn a spot for WrestleMania. Drew McIntyre is still being pushed regardless, possibly having his second loss erased from the record books again, but he has not gone over with the fans.

Jack Swagger: Became the ECW Champion within four-months of signing with the company, was moved over to RAW and, despite a short feud with MVP, has been forgotten. The two-time All American, has the charisma and wrestling ability to carry the company as a World Champion, but WWE may be reluctant due to his lisp.

Mark Henry: Receiving his biggest push about two years ago, when he captured the ECW Title in a Triple Threat match at Night of Champions, Mark Henry has since returned to RAW and has undergone a face-turn. Despite his accomplishments in ECW, the ECW Champion is the equivilent of the mid-carder on RAW.

RAW Results: 3/1/10 - Bumps on 'Mania Road

D-X Testament

Shawn Michaels addressed the WWE Universe explaining how members of the locker room can't even look at him. At WrestleMania, Shawn will place his career against The Undertaker's Streak. His peers cannot bare to look at him because it has never been broken. The Streak is 17-0, and to bet against it is career suicide. Michaels then challenged anyone to come out and admit that they feel he can't win.

Queue in Triple-H. Of all the people, why Triple-H? Hunter flat out looked Michaels in the face and told him that he doesn't think, but he knows that he will end the streak. Triple-H has been in the business for over a decade and has fought everyone that there is to fight, but no one has been better than Shawn Michaels.

Then Triple-H suggested that D-X reform for one night in order to invoke their rematch clause for the Unified Tag Team Titles against ShoMiz. Shawn and Hunter have no need for the titles, but title contracts state that title holders have 30 days to defend them; 29 days from now is the RAW after WrestleMania. To Triple-H's testament, Shawn Michaels will have defeated the Streak, and celebrate in the only way that D-X can. The inspiring reply from Michaels gave us all hope, "I guess we have some tag team titles to win!"

Victor Von Orton and his creations
Randy Orton vs. Ted DiBiase Jr.

For a match perceived with great repute when first put together by 2010 WWE Hall of Fame inductee, "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, WWE wasted an Orton-DiBiase Jr. match on free television, yet again. The first encounter, Randy Orton inched away a victory; the second time, he scored a pinfall by threatening DiBiase Jr. out of Legacy if he didn't. Then at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, Ted DiBiase Jr. shocked the WWE Universe by eliminating Orton thus costing him the WWE Title.

During the match, Ted DiBiase Jr. managed to get the upper hand by mirroring Orton's moves. Orton regained control by stomping DiBiase's wrist followed up by the infamous Randy Orton Stomps. Then Cody Rhodes, no doubt executing last week's original plan, interfered by attacking Orton. Yet, surprisingly, the crowd booed Legacy for attacking Orton, and cheered when Orton tossed DiBiase over the ropes and struck Rhodes with the inverted headlock backbreaker. Too much animosity has brewed between all three members that it has been announced that Orton will take on Rhodes and DiBiase Jr. in a handicap match next week on RAW.

Jack Swagger dominates Santino with authority
(Money in the Bank Qualifying Match) Jack Swagger vs. Santino Marella

If you blinked then you missed it, Jack Swagger quickly defeated Santino Marella with the Gut wrench powerbomb. Jack Swagger, along with Christian, Dolph Ziggler, Kane, and Shelton Benjamin, will compete in the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania. Can The All-American-American become Mr. Money in the Bank? Seeing as Swagger lost last year's Extreme Rules pay-per-view Triple-Threat match against Tommy Dreamer and Christian, will he be any better with ladders?

WrestleMania 21 crowned two champions, who became enemies

Remember when John Cena compared his WWE title loss to the non-kayfabe Montreal screw job? Bold words from a guy who was not there, but this week, John Cena is okay with Batista as the WWE Champion, for one reason. Because once again, John Cena's match at WrestleMania will be a championship main-event.

Batista reveals the reasons for his actions. Their main-event careers began at WrestleMania 21: John Cena winning the WWE Title, and Batista winning the World Heavyweight Title. But since then, their careers went completely different directions. John Cena is the face of the WWE; the perverbial torch from Steve Austin has been passed to Cena; Cena is on the cover of every magazine, appearing in every WWE promotion, and starring in movies (albeit bad).

Regardless of his lack of wrestling ability and his loud voiced interviews, in which he feels that he has to scream each word to get his point across, John Cena gives everything he has to the business. In their last encounter at Summerslam 2008, Batista injuried Cena's neck which required surgery; as soon as he was able to walk, Cena was backstage at RAW to see how things were going.

John Cena once considered Batista a friend, but their paths have crossed yet again, and this time the WWE Title will be on the line at WrestleMania.

Radio signal not as strong as on ECW
(Money in the Bank Qualifying Match) MVP vs. Zack Ryder

Zack Ryder and Rosa Mendes have signed with RAW, as announced during his match on WWE Superstars against Primo, and was placed in a Money in the Bank qualifying match against MVP. Zack Ryder's first night on RAW and he was already given the recognition that he deserves, right? Much like Swagger's win earlier, MVP easily disposed of Ryder with the Playmaker.

Zack Ryder has performed near brink of the edge matches against Christian on ECW; won a battle royal to be crowned the #1 contender for the ECW Title; ended the career of Tommy Dreamer; and battled Hurricane in his final matches before being released. How in the world is Ryder getting the Santino treatment?

The Money in the Bank competitors are as follows: Christian, Dolph Ziggler, Kane, Shelton Benjamin, Jack Swagger, MVP, and 2 more spots remain. SmackDown and RAW are evenly matched thus far, so the best solution would be to add one more competitor from each brand.

Divas' Pajama Pillow Fight
Gail Kim, Kelly-Kelly, and Eve Torres vs. Maryse, Alicia Fox, and Jillian Hall

In a match issued by Guest Hosts, Cheech and Chong, after getting a sugar high on Hornswoggle's Lucky Charms breakfast cereal, featured Gail Kim (Hello Kitty jammies, type-casted), Kelly-Kelly, and Eve Torres against Maryse, Jillian Hall, and Alicia Fox. What was assumed to be a six-Diva tag team match turned into a free-for-all as the faces hit the faces, and the heels hit the other heels. Jillian Hall broke up the pillow fight by driving vicious clotheslines against every woman in the ring, friend or foe.

By the end of the match, Gail Kim almost won after connecting with Eat Defeat on Alicia Fox, but was dropped kicked out of the ring by Eve Torres. The match ended with Eve Torres connecting with a Seated Senton on Alicia Fox, thus being declared the winner. Looks like Eve has a better success rate than Chris Masters.

The 'Hart' of WrestleMania

Vince McMahon denied screwing Bret Hart at the Survivor Series 1997. Now, after twelve years, McMahon finally admits to it. Since coming back, Bret Hart has been kicked, spat, and humiliated. McMahon, at one final attempt to fill his ego, challenged Bret to a match at WrestleMania. A challenge issued weeks ago by Bret, and the only reason to accepting it now is because Bret has been forced onto a crutch again. The one fleeting passion that drove Bret into accepting this match, despite being hit by a car two weeks ago, is the seething pent up rage that has been stirring for 12 long years.

With about 10 years of ring rust, being a stroke victim, and old age wearing down Bret Hart, this match may be far from excellence. But Bret came back to the WWE, when he said he never would, to not only have one more WrestleMania moment, but to live up to his vow that he will never be pathetic again.

At WrestleMania: Bret "The Hitman" Hart versus Vince McMahon

Phenom mind games; Sheamus hunts The Game
(Unified Tag Team Title Match) ShoMiz vs. D-Generation X

D-Generation-X reformed, minus the D-X mascot, in order to take back their Unified Tag Team Titles, which would symbolize that Shawn Michaels will end the streak. But distractions, obsessions, and the awesomeness of The Miz, cost D-X the titles yet again. It was Deja Vu as Shawn Michaels remained seated in the ring with an agitated look, as Triple-H looked on in disbelief.

This match wasn't so much of a title match, but of a showcasing of what is to come at WrestleMania. Shawn Michaels was covered in a jackknife pin by The Miz, after being distracted by The Undertaker looking down from the titantron. Afterwards, Triple-H was ambused by Sheamus. Now, we know that Shawn Michaels will have his rematch against Taker at 'Mania, but where does Sheamus come in?

Sheamus did what many though was impossible, best John Cena for the WWE Championship at such an early stage in his career. He'd managed to sneak by some successful title defenses against Cena and Orton, but the Elimination Chamber was a different story. Sheamus managed to outlast the competition until he was the last of three competitors remaining inside the satanic structure. Almost eliminating John Cena from the match, Sheamus was pedigreed and eliminated by Triple-H instead. It is obvious that Sheamus wants to settle the score at WrestleMania, which would be another case of Pro vs. Rookie.

RAW Results: 2/22/10 - WrestleMania Taking Shape

Evan Bourne's victory overshadowed by Legacy's downfall

Just this past Thursday on WWE Superstars, Evan Bourne prevailed by pinning Chavo Guerrero in tag team action; then on RAW, Evan Bourne defied the odds by pinning Cody Rhodes of Legacy in a six-man tag match. Yet, what should have been a great moment for the "Highlight Reel" Evan Bourne, became overshadowed by chants of RKO.

The downfall of Legacy may have finally occurred after Randy Orton turned on his brethren, Cody Rhodes, with a rope hung DDT. Orton then abandoned the match and was followed by Ted DiBiase Jr., demanding an explanation; which he responded with an RKO. Earlier on, DiBiase and Rhodes were talking about "a plan," most likely a scheme to turn on Orton; but as the leader of Legacy, Orton is always 10 steps ahead.

Divas' Champion Applicant: no wrestling experience required

Apparently the Divas' Title means that no wrestling ability is required, as the championship match between Maryse and Gail Kim was an embarrassment to women's wrestling. Gail Kim, an actual women's wrestler, delivered on every offensive maneuver within that match, while Maryse simply threw Gail to the ropes and set up for the French-Kiss. How can the WWE award it's championship title to a person who cannot wrestle? Wait... that's right. This is the same company that awarded it's WWE Title to Batista, and at one point, awarded the World Heavyweight Title to The Great Khali. Sadly, Gail Kim sold her soul for a WWE endorsed paycheck to job to models.

After having the Divas' Title match postponed, thanks to Vickie Guerrero, the final round of the Divas' Championship Tournament was decided on RAW. For weeks leading up to this match, Maryse had been trying to draw a mutual respect between the two, but Gail Kim fired back - in French - telling Maryse that she understood every mean thing she disguised in French, and was not fooling anybody. This confrontation, this past Sunday, lead to Gail Kim loosing an impromptu tag team match - turned Handicap - when Maryse was unwilling to tag in.

Maryse was awarded the vacant Divas' title, made so by Melina who tore her ACL back in January, and became the first-ever two-time Divas' Champion.

New RAW Superstar Christian qualifies for Money in the Bank

Two weeks ago, then-ECW Champion Christian, acting as a future free agent, had an amazing encounter with then-WWE Champion Sheamus; and this week it was confirmed, after winning a Money in the Bank qualifying match against Carlito, that Christian has signed on with the RAW brand. A year ago, people thought that Christian's return did not have quite an impact because of his emergence on ECW, those days of extreme are over because Christian is on the A-brand of wrestling shows.

WWE had recently announced on wwe.com that on July 18, a pay-per-view entitled Money in the Bank would air. This news led to many wrestling fans wondering whether or not there would be a Money in the Bank Ladder Match at this year's WrestleMania. Money in the Bank has been a central part of WrestleMania since it's concept at WrestleMania 21, witnessing Edge as it's inaugural Mr. Money in the Bank winner. Luckily, WWE has recently scrapped the MitB pay-per-view concept, along with the rest of the pay-per-view summer lineup after WrestleMania.

Having competed in the 2005 and 2009 Money in the Bank ladder matches, Christian is an excellent star competitor leading into WrestleMania.

The Miz dominates MVP in every way

At Elimination Chamber, The Miz successfully defended his United States Title against MVP in yet another impromptu title defense; and would yet again, along with The Big Show, successfully defend the Unified Tag Team Titles against MVP and Mark Henry on RAW. The Miz, who will be mentoring Daniel Bryan on NXT, has not only been successful at capturing and defending the titles, but undertaking every challenge, scheduled or not.

The constant title defenses against MVP has grown wearisome, as WWE is forcing The Miz to defend all his titles against one man. There are a sea of mid-card opponents that would benefit from title matches against The Miz. And when will ShoMiz be making their way down to SmackDown to defend their titles against the likes of: The Hart Dynasty, Straightedge Society, Cryme Tyme, Croft and Barreta, and Hardy and Khali?

RAW Results: 2/15/10

RAW's Elimination Entries: Who Holds the Momentum?

Last week, Carl Edwards assigned three main-events to take place this week: Randy Orton vs. Sheamus; Kofi Kingston vs. Ted DiBiase Jr.; and John Cena vs. Triple-H. Much like last week on SmackDown, these matches pitted the entrants of the Elimination Chamber in singles competition. But who has the most momentum going for them this Sunday?

Randy Orton versus Sheamus

This Sunday Sheamus will have to defend the WWE Title inside the Elimination Chamber against five other guys. Announcers have stated that defeating John Cena for the WWE Title and winning against Randy Orton at The Royal Rumble were tests of his ability to lead the company. However, Sheamus will undergo his true test, not only as a superstar but as a champion, in a title defense where he cannot escape via count-out or disqualification.

Randy Orton, on the other hand, has been trying to regain the WWE Championship, but Legacy seems to always get in the way. Sheamus won the match again via disqualifications thanks to Cody Rhodes.

Legacy tried apologizing, but Orton struck Cody with an RKO, while Sheamus bicycle kicked DiBiase in the face. Then Orton struck the WWE Champion with another RKO.

As of this point, Orton is carrying the momentum.

Ted DiBiase Jr. versus Kofi Kingston

Ted DiBiase and Kofi Kingston have a profound opportunity to capture the World Title at an early stage in their career. The feat may seem far-fetched, but Sheamus lasted no more than 6 months before scoring the WWE Title.

Kofi was actually suppose to partake in the Elimination Chamber last year, but was ambushed by a frustrated Edge who had lost the WWE Title in an earlier chamber match. Despite his recent push back in November, the momentum has faded from Kofi Kingston.

Ted DiBiase, fighting at half speed after being kicked in the face by Sheamus, managed to pick up the victory. He evaded a high flying move from Kingston and locked in Dream Street.

DiBiase, despite being struck in the face by the champion, proves his resiliency by taking down Kofi Kingston in a clean victory.

Triple-H versus John Cena

It was been said that this was a WrestleMania worthy main event. Yes, we get that seeing as Triple-H tapped out to Cena at WM22. Then Triple-H retained his title against Cena at Night of Champions '08. And again, Triple-H defeated Cena the RAW prior to Bragging Rights. These two have faced each other so many times that the hype is gone.

John Cena is probably one of the most limited superstars on the roster when it comes to technique, but the robotic maneuvers of Triple-H are no better. Whenever Triple-H gets Irish-whipped to the ropes, he hooks his arm to fling himself over. It is one of H's weakest selling points.

My prediction on the finish was for either Michaels or Batista to interfere; yet, it was Sheamus who threw his WWE Title in the ring, and delivered a bicycle kick to Triple-H in a middle of a Pedigree set up. Cena attempted to out maneuver Sheamus, but was also knocked down. And for the exclamation point, Sheamus hoisted H is the air and executed The Celtic Cross.

The three riding the wave of momentum are Orton, DiBiase, and Sheamus. I'm actually disappointed with how these past two weeks played out. Why are these six competitors chosen to seal their fate inside an Elimination Chamber, what are their connections to one another? Where are the speeches, the animosity?

Simply stated: Three weeks was not enough to choose entries and establish a meaningful build-up. And Elimination Chamber, another themed pay-per-view (occurring for it's third year), serves only one purpose: to establish the champions heading to WrestleMania.

Mr. Ballin' Came to Play

Last week, ShoMiz became the new Unified Tag Team Champions, defeating D-X. Yet, with a no.1 contender's match taking place last week on ECW, has D-X forfeited their rematch clause?

Before their title match on the final episode of ECW, ShoMiz had to deal with The World's Strongest Tag Team. Why in the world did MVP and Mark Henry reunite? Their tag team days were dead and buried for months, but for some reason they came together to score an upset on ShoMiz.

Now that The Miz holds both the United States and Unified Tag Team Titles, MVP has found the one person to grant him what he desperately wants... a chance to relive the height of his career in 2007.

Jerry Springer Segment: A Giant Waste of Time

Need I say more? Really? Okay... WWE is Rated-PG, and Kelly-Kelly announces that not only is she pregnant, she is unsure of who the father is. List of candidates that could've dipped their pen in the company's ink: Santino Marella, Chris Masters, The Great Khali, Michael Cole, Jerry "The King" Lawler, and Hornswoggle. Then of course The Bellas reveal that Brie is actually a man. And then Eve Torres, really badly, portrays the jealous girlfriend of Chris Masters and gets into a fight with Kelly-Kelly.

This was revealed to be a set-up. Yes, we understand that wrestling is fake, but we are not stupid. It was actually intended to reveal Springer's love interest, Mae Young. Just like Ranjin Singh stated: This was a giant waste of time.

Brutally Tacky: Bret Hart Accident

The fact that Bret Hart has nothing new to say means that he has over stayed his welcome. Either have the match at WrestleMania or don't. And seeing as Mr. McMahon already declined Bret's offer to a WrestleMania match, and took back his nomination for inducting Stu Hart into this year's Hall of Fame, Bret really has nothing left to do with WWE. It was all very anti-climatic.

And when did John Cena become his best friend? John Cena wasn't even present on the historic night (Jan. 4th) when he came back. But yet he is the only one defending Bret against McMahon, and Batista apparently.

Then backstage, Bret Hart being greeted by the mid-carders. Is he suppose to be inspiring the next generation of superstars that if they reach their dreams, they can be humilated into a broken down old man?

Finally, the greatest travisty was having Bret Hart hit by a car. Who in the world reverses into a parked limo in an underground parking lot? The woman was revealed to be Mrs. Hickenbottom (Shawn's wife). Is Shawn Michaels executing McMahon's dirty work, by taking out Bret in order to get his shot against The Undertaker's Streak?

This car angle was probably a bigger lack of creativity than the Jerry Springer segment. I was looking forward to a Bret-McMahon WrestleMania bout, to bring closure to the whole thing, even if it was a street fight. But so help me, if it turns into a McMahon-Trump match and we end up watching Cena-Batista in their places...

RAW Results: 2/8/10

ECW vs. WWE, The Better Champion is...?

In two weeks, The WWE Champion Sheamus will have to defend his title inside the Elimination Chamber. There is a strong possibility that Sheamus will lose the title, but he demanded from RAW Guest Host Carl Edwards to make him the final entry into the Elimination Chamber.

You can close your eyes, but not against ECW Champion Christian who interrupted the WWE Champion. Christian remarked on Edge's appearance on RAW last week and mentioned that his Championship Match could either be for the WWE or World Heavyweight Champion, leaving him quite peeved that the ECW Title was not taken into consideration. But McMahon's announcement of the cancellation of ECW put the pieces together. In two weeks, all the ECW superstars become free agents, meaning they are free to join up any show they see fit, and Christian decided to test the waters on RAW before making his decision.

In order to test the waters, Christian demanded a match against Sheamus to see who the better champion was. Well, in two weeks, the ECW Title will become vacant, making Christian the final and longest running ECW Champion in WWE history.

As for the match, Christian is used to taking on opponents that outmatch him in size, but he usually relies on his speed and agility to get the job done. But what happens when your opponent is equally as fast? Christian held off Sheamus better than I have ever seen anyone do, and possibly one of my favorite Christian matches since his return in 2009. Christian even almost got the pin after a tornado DDT, but Sheamus powered out. In the end, Christian could not evade a second Bicycle kick, and the exclamation point, the Celtic Cross.

The New Unified Tag Team Champions - ShoMiz (Like Show-Biz)

Minutes... seconds... that's all it takes for titles to change hands, and it happened in a big way on Monday Night RAW. D-Generation-X put the Unified Tag Team Titles on the line against The Straightedge Society, and The Show-Miz in a Triple Threat Elimination Match.

First off, fabulous tag team match; and finally, WWE created a stipulation where three people in a tag team match could fight at the same time, unlike those Fatal Four-way Tag Team Matches where only two competitors are allowed in the ring at a time.

There was a nice mixture of wrestlers in the ring, from the middle-weights: Shawn vs. Miz vs. C.M. Punk and the heavyweights: Triple-H vs. Big Show vs. Luke Gallows. Then at times the combination was meshed, which is great because it allows fresh competition, instead of the stale matches week after week.

After C.M. Punk was super kicked and pinned by Shawn Michaels, team Straightedge were eliminated... thus leaving The Miz and The Big Show fending off against D-Generation-X. Shawn Michaels was occupied with trying to survive against Big Show, who would not let him tag in a fresh Triple-H. Show and Miz however were celebrating too early and taking Shawn Michaels too lightly. He is after all called Mr. WrestleMania for a reason, do not take him lightly, ever.

The tragic story concluded after Triple-H was finally tagged in, and D-X looked to retain their titles, but Shawn Michaels forced tagged himself back in.

The Miz used the distraction between Triple-H and Michaels arguing to roll Michaels up for the win.

The Miz made good on his promises to retain the United States Championship, which he did at The Royal Rumble, and to capture the Unified Tag Team Championships... something he was unable to do with his partner John Morrison during the title's fusion one-year ago at WrestleMania 25.

As for The Big Show, he not only found a new partner in The Miz, who treats him like a person, but is the only man in the WWE to become a 2-time Unified Tag Team Champion. And not only that, he was able to accomplish something that he could not with Chris Jericho, and that is defeat D-Generation-X.

Congratulations to ShoMiz on becoming the New Unified Tag Team Champions.

The Fall of D-X

Last week, Shawn Michaels incurred the worst 24-hours of his life as he lost the Royal Rumble and the qualifying match for the Elimination Chamber. Shawn Michaels dreams of another shot at ending Taker's Streak seemed to have vanished, but he could at least take solace that this would be the first WrestleMania for D-X, right...?

Triple-H had to burst Michaels' bubble by reminding him that though he didn't win his qualifying match, he did. Triple-H has been in five Elimination Chamber matches and won the last four. Winning chamber matches is what Triple-H does, and he will do what he does, and that is win the chamber match, become a 14-World Champion, and go on to headline WrestleMania.

It doesn't come as a surprise that Michaels made a bad decision call when he tagged himself in, costing D-X the Unified Tag Team Titles against ShowMiz. Michaels went to see Teddy Long, who was present to see Straightedge Society in the Triple Threat Elimination, on being traded to SmackDown and taking someone's entry spot in the Elimination Chamber. Michaels plans on moving to SmackDown, taking someone's spot, becoming the World's Champion, and defending his title at WrestleMania against The Undertaker, retaining and thus... end the streak. That's a tall order, however, Teddy is unable to fulfill Michaels' wish.

Triple-H encountered Michaels and demanded that he doesn't just through his career away over this obsession. But Michaels declared that his career was over, and superkicked Teddy Long.

Mole within Legacy?

Last week I spoke about Cody Rhodes and how there was something off with the way the WWE Championship match went down at the Royal Rumble. And now the plot thickens as Cody continues to dispute with Ted DiBiase Jr. and Randy Orton.

Unlike Ted, Cody Rhodes failed to secure a spot in the Royal Rumble and he attributes that loss based on the assigned opposition. Ted defeated Mark Henry, an opponent that all three members of Legacy have defeated on numerous occasions, to secure a spot in the Elimination Chamber; while Cody had to face John Cena in a losing effort. Cody proposed that he had a much tougher opponent, while DiBiase eased by.

Randy Orton then scheduled two matches for the night: DiBiase vs. John Cena, and Cody vs. Randy Orton.

Cody Rhodes' ring prowess has considerably changed, escalating in arrogance and intensity. And for those that have wondered, the reason Rhodes does not wear knee pads is to inflict more damage with his bony knees. Hence, when Cody slapped Orton's hand away from his face and then dropped kicked him, its his evolution.

Predictably, Orton delivered much needed punishment to Cody for costing him the title. A title match, in which Cody appeared to have wanted Orton to lose. If that's not enough to generate some rumors, then how about the fact that Sheamus showed up to distract Orton from an unsuspecting Cody Rhodes, who struck with Cross-Rhodes. Maybe Cody is working for Sheamus, or it can just be a coincidence.

As for Ted DiBiase's match, there was no match... only a beat down from John Cena.

WrestleMania Matches?

John Cena addressed the beat down he received from Batista last week, and called out Mr. McMahon. Vince claims that he didn't hire Batista to take him out, but it was by coincidence. Of course it was by coincidence, because no one told Cena to come to Bret's aid. Cena showed up Batista, and The Animal is not one to be shown up.

Will we indeed see a rematch from the SummerSlam 2008 encounter?

As for McMahon screwing Bret Hart last week yet again, Cena revealed that Bret wants nothing more than to have one more WrestleMania moment against Mr. McMahon. And Vince agreed to have that match, that was until Bret sneeked attacked him.

McMahon's final words were that he would not fight Bret at Mania, because Bret deserves to be screwed.

Thoughts on these pending WrestleMania matches are as follows:

John Cena vs. Batista: If John Cena fails to procure the WWE Title at the Elimination Chamber, this would mark Cena's first WrestleMania where he is not defending or contending for a title. As for Batista, he hasn't had a good WrestleMania since facing Taker at 'Mania 23, so the spotlight he so desires would be on him if he defeats John Cena. Batista defeated John Cena in their last match, and embarrassed him last week on RAW... could he do it again at WrestleMania?

Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon: A few months ago, Rowdy Piper wanted to wrestle Mr. McMahon, but he refused, saying that he was officially retired from wrestling. Yet, when it comes to a guy like Bret Hart, who sufferred a stroke a few years back, and looks physically incapable of wrestling another match, Mr. McMahon cannot wait to strap on his wrestling boots. Bret Hart appears to have gotten closure from Shawn Michaels, but when it comes to Mr. McMahon, they both still harbor hatred for one another. A WrestleMania bout between these two is a dream, but is that all it is? Bret Hart's stroke is not kayfabe, it's a serious disability hindering him from wrestling. The days of the Excellence of Execution are long behind him, and a physical match such as this could have some serious implications on his health.