Trevor Hunnicutt’s Predictions:
Other than being a profitable mid-summer event, the purpose of Summerslam is to set a creative direction for the months to come. Usually, the show establishes a world champion and suggests, ever so subtly, a challenger for the future. Even in the creative ignorance of WWE last summer, the purpose of Summerslam was still clearly to establish Randy Orton as the main babyface through WrestleMania this year (even though it was done in the worst way possible and eventually failed). But this year, as the company stumbles wayward into the second biggest event of the year, such direction is conspicuously absent. It is clear that WWE wants to, at least for now, build the WWE Championship around John Cena, who has turned into an effective and multi-faceted draw. But without a clear follow-up challenger and this current half-hearted feud with Chris Jericho, it seems the WWE gives this match the main event spot more out of formality than faith in its prospects. Hotshotting and a lack of forethought have created many intriguing match ups in WWE. RAW’s top three matches for the card are all interesting, but there is a certain unskilled kayfabe that propels them. For the most part, the booking has been focused (which should be enough, for now, to save the buyrate), but it has not been wise. Call it desperation or call it hubris, but WWE is far from prepared for business after October.
WWE Championship – John Cena vs. Chris Jericho
Prediction: John Cena
Analysis: Absent an original idea, or at least conscious of the fact that this was never really a serious feud, this was largely a retread of Austin/McMahon. The good news is that the company has not fumbled with its most prized possession, John Cena, who probably comes out of this an even bigger star. The problem is everyone and their mother knows that Jericho is just a placeholder, even without the contract situation that WWE.com did their best to put aside. Jericho, as placeholder, will be able to get a good match out of Cena.
World Heavyweight Championship – Batista vs. JBL – No Holds Barred
Prediction: Batista
Analysis: Batista is also a valuable quantity to WWE, but they haven’t been either as proactive or protective of his character, essentially a reverse of several months ago when Batista was the huge star and John Cena was cast in his shadow. He’ll have Guerrero to protect him soon, but until then he has JBL, so they’ll be given all the gimmicks in the book to make this good (unlike the disastrous Great American Bash match).
Shawn Michaels vs. Hulk Hogan
Prediction: Hulk Hogan
Analysis: Although this is really not much more than your average upper-tier feud, and it has no extraordinary booking characteristics that set it apart from everything else, it has been fascinating to watch. This has been the case largely because of Shawn Michaels excellent, babyface-leaning promos. He’s been excellent and Hogan has done his part as well. It’s also the real main event here.
Matt Hardy vs. Edge
Prediction: Matt Hardy
Analysis: Matt Hardy needs the victory more than Edge. For Edge, this is merely a detour. I’d have more to say but WWE really dropped the ball on this one.
Dominick’s Custody Ladder Match – Guerrero vs. Mysterio
Prediction: Mysterio
Analysis: Mysterio needs the lift coming out of this, because the weirdness and complexity of this feud has hurt his character. Guerrero will move on to work with Batista. Obviously, it will be a good match. This has been a very interesting feud and early candidate for feud of the year, but it’s also too weird for words.
US Championship – Orlando Jordan vs. Chris Benoit
Prediction: Chris Benoit
Analysis: Yeah…
Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Prediction: Orton
Analysis: The result of this match depends on how fast they want to move with Orton’s character at this point. It should be good.
Eugene vs. Kurt Angle
Prediction: Angle
Analysis: Should be good. Really bad feud for Angle.
Trevor Hunnicutt is the writer of The Figure Four Leglock.
Martin Hawrysko’s Predictions:
As more and more time passes, the blander both Raw and Smackdown become. This joint pay-per-view proves it. Even with both brands showcasing their best, this pay-per-view just doesn’t seem that interesting. The biggest match receiving the most hype is certainly the Hogan and Michaels match. In my opinion, that is wrong. Raw and Smackdown each have two young champions, John Cena and Batista. With how they are being booked, I have a hard time taking them seriously as champions, especially with Cena since his reign has taken a backseat to Hogan and Michaels. This PPV proves that WWE’s “brand extension” is a bust and it is time to combine the rosters and make one kickass show.
WWE Championship – John Cena vs. Chris Jericho
Prediction: John Cena
Analysis: Please, it seems that Chris Jericho doesn’t stand a chance. All the future house show events are promoting Cena as the champion still, and it is rumored that Jericho is taking time off after this. I fully expect Cena to win, hold the belt a bit longer, just in time for Triple H to return to take the belt back.
World Heavyweight Championship – Batista vs. JBL – No Holds Barred
Prediction: Batista
Analysis: Simply put, JBL had his reign already, so what sense does it make to buid Batista prior to WrestleMania 21, to only have him splash onto Smackdown a few months later only to lose it to JBL?
Shawn Michaels vs. Hulk Hogan
Prediction: Shawn Michaels
Analysis: What does Hogan winning do for WWE? Hogan is (hopefully) going away since he only came back to help promote his new TV show. Michael’s heel character has gone over well, and I think WWE will go forward with Michaels as a heel. A win over Hogan will without a doubt make the fans hate Michaels more and give him more heel heat that can only benefit him.
Matt Hardy vs. Edge
Prediction: Edge
Analysis: WWE didn’t bring back Matt Hardy just to beat Edge in one match. WWE sees a lot of money in this feud and I can see them milking it as long as they can.
Dominick’s Custody Ladder Match – Guerrero vs. Mysterio
Prediction: Mysterio
Analysis: What else can happen in this storyline? Ugh… I shouldn’t ask, because you know creative can think of something.
US Championship – Orlando Jordan vs. Chris Benoit
Prediction: Beniot
Analysis: So the Intercontinental Championship “wannabe” belt is a step down from the World Title that Beniot held a year ago.
Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Prediction: Orton
Analysis: If he wasn’t hurt then, Orton would have gotten the win vs. ‘Taker at WrestleMania. The “Legend Killer” shall strike again.
Eugene vs. Kurt Angle
Prediction: Angle
Analysis: Oh gosh, please let it be Angle. I’m sick of Eugene and I think Eugene might be one of the very reasons why I stopped watching wrestling, almost all together back in May of 2004. I would expect an Angle and Eugene feud to last maybe two weeks on Raw, but not lead to a PPV match. What a freakin’ joke.
Martin Hawrysko is the writer of Mark My Words.
Lou Corsaro’s Predictions:
Intro
Count me in as very disappointed with the WWE product lately. I find myself fast-forwarding through numerous segments of both shows. I’ve watched as fine young talent (Shelton Benjamin) is buried, as the painfully awful Guerrero-Mysterio feud stretches out moronically because they don’t know what else to do with two of their biggest stars and witnessed the screwing up of a feud with more potential than any in a long time (Edge-Hardy). I have to admit I’m not that excited about this show, but then SummerSlam seems to suck for me every year anyway. That said, I’ll probably buy the damn thing anyway.
WWE Championship – John Cena vs. Chris Jericho
Prediction: John Cena
Analysis: The rumor is that Jericho will be taking some time off this fall and, sadly, I don’t think anyone views him as a serious threat to get the title here anyway. A swerve would be the tiniest of possibilities, but I don’t think they’re dumb enough to do anything to slow the momentum of their fastest-rising star.
World Heavyweight Championship – Batista vs. JBL – No Holds Barred
Prediction: Batista
Analysis: Isn’t it funny how JBL is quickly becoming the Triple H of Smackdown? Is there another McMahon daughter he’s sleeping with? Look, I’ve repeatedly said I love the JBL character, and I’m glad they haven’t buried him after the title left him, but they need to move on and make Batista the centerpiece of Smackdown. His reign right now is reminiscent of Benoit’s on Raw, when he never really was the focus of the show. Enough already.
Shawn Michaels vs. Hulk Hogan
Prediction: Hulk Hogan
Analysis: I’m not willing to commit to this one wholly, but I just don’t see this feud extending beyond SummerSlam because even that attention-whore Hogan doesn’t have much interest in wrestling long-term again. Thank God. Still, one would think there’s no way this would be a clean ending. And they did tease Bret Hart strongly Monday on Raw. Normally, you would expect a Hart column to be posted immediately after something like that dissing the WWE for continuing to dredge up old wounds. With his recent talks with McMahon, is it at least a possibility he’ll take out HBK here? Sure. Should we expect it? Only if you want to be disappointed. Hmmm …
Matt Hardy vs. Edge
Prediction: Edge
Analysis: I would prefer they give this to Hardy because he can use the in-ring momentum with the comeback and it would be a fresh way to continue the feud. How about, for once, instead of following the script where the face continues to chase the heel, we turn the tables here and see Edge just completely lose it? Either way, it should be a very interesting match to watch. Now I just have one question – how in holy hell did it make sense to not have Hardy show up on the last Raw before SummerSlam? Someone explain this to me.
Dominick’s Custody Ladder Match – Guerrero vs. Mysterio
Prediction: Rey Mysterio
Analysis: I’ve given up predicting Eddie will win one of these matches, which means he’ll probably take this one so they can torture me with this feud for a few more months. These are two of the most talented performers in the WWE. I don’t care to watch them act. I want to see them in the ring. I’m tired of this feud. The initial setup was interesting, if rushed, but involving the kid is idiotic. I’m sure there’s many courtrooms out there who order ladder matches to determine custody of a child. Happens all the time.
US Championship – Orlando Jordan vs. Chris Benoit
Prediction: Chris Benoit
Analysis: I still say Benoit is beneath something like this. I would rather see him turn heel and go after Batista. He’s been a face for so long now, I think some have forgotten what an effective heel he actually was. His character is stale right now, mostly because the WWE writers have completely failed him from the moment he won the title at WM20. Jordan is so completely invisible as the US Champion, I have to believe they’ll give the title to Benoit just so he has something to do. And, for the record, it’s not really Jordan’s fault. Can you name one, single serious feud he’s had since winning the title? Just because you have a belt, it doesn’t make you relevant. Especially when your role is playing JBL’s bitch from week to week.
Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Prediction: Undertaker
Analysis: I’m very, very tempted to pick Orton, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he won. But the WWE playbook suggests this won’t end the feud. I would expect Taker to get the win and Orton to become maniacal in his quest to beat the Dead Man. This will culminate with some stupid buried alive match at Survivor Series where Orton will finally win and Taker will get some time off to be with his family. Of course, if you read my predictions for the last PPV, you know I’m not exactly Karnac, but it sounds “logical,” doesn’t it?
Eugene vs. Kurt Angle
Prediction: Kurt Angle
Analysis: Look, I’ve warmed up to Eugene a little, solely because Nick Dinsmore is truly amazing at playing the character. Damn near brilliant. But if they give him a PPV win over Angle and keep this story going, I may lose my mind. Angle is too good for a feud like this. How can the WWE be so inept that they have no idea what to do with talent like Benoit, Angle, Benjamin, Guerrero, Mysterio and, well, most of the rest of the roster? Can we not go back to the days when there were always six or seven guys who were all title contenders, and you never knew who was going to be put over on a given night? Please?
Lou Corsaro is the writer of Captain Lou’s View.
Ringmaster T’s Preditions:
For Ringmaster T’s intro part of Roundtable, you can check out his Preview & Predictions column by clicking HERE.
WWE Championship – John Cena vs. Chris Jericho
Prediction: Cena.
Analysis: Cena battles Jericho in what I believe will be the second best match on the card. These two guys have been going at it for quite a while, with some distractions along the way (including that stupid battle of the bands, which never really materialized) This feud started out strong, but it lost a little momentum along the way after repeated involvement from Carlito and Bischoff (too much Bischoff is never a good thing!) Cena and Jericho have developed some chemistry, and both guys are showing good intensity and emotion. Jericho is the right opponent to elevate Cena, possibly into his next major feud, with either HBK, Edge, or a returning Triple H.
World Heavyweight Championship – Batista vs. JBL – No Holds Barred
Prediction: Batista.
Analysis: Batista collides with JBL in this No Holds Barred match. This will be yet another knockdown, drag out slugfest. This type of match is perfectly suited for both men, as their skills are limited, aside from the power stuff and brawling. Once again, JBL will prove a worthy adversary here, because of his main event exposure and experience. Batista’s coming along slowly, but steady. He should go over in a big way here. I see a money feud between former Evolution members Randy Orton and Batista in the near future.
Shawn Michaels vs. Hulk Hogan
Prediction: Michaels.
Analysis: Heavily billed as the Icon vs the Legend. There are actually a few people that want to see this match (why, I keep asking??) Maybe for nostalgia purposes, since Vince McMahon seems to on that kick nowadays. This match would have been a classic back in 1997-98, right around the time when HBK was in DX, and Hogan was in the NWO. Here, in 2005, we get Hogan well past his prime, while Michaels is still a top performer, but at best he’s a notch or so below his prime. Hogan is very limited, struggling just to keep up with these younger guys. His big boot to the face is pathetic (he barely grazed Kurt Angle’s chest on Raw) while the legdrops are painful to watch. Michaels WILL be doing most of the selling and taking ALL of the bumps. At this stage, Hogan doesn’t need a victory, and losing to Michaels won’t hurt his legacy, either. It makes sense from a business standpoint that Shawn goes over clean, since they can get more mileage out of him in the near future. And besides, Shawn looks like he’s back in his element again.
Matt Hardy vs. Edge
Prediction: Edge.
Analysis: This feud started out with a heavy buzz. With all the Internet coverage, shoot comments, crowd chants at Edge & Lita, a teased Hardy appearance, his actual return, the worked/shoot stuff, and some real life subliminal messages thrown in, this is more like a typical daytime soap with just a little wrestling mixed in. Hell, this should be the feud of the year, yet I don’t see this progressing beyond another month. The way Edge has elevated himself over Hardy the last two weeks after that amazing promo, I can’t help but think he has become the prohibitive favorite here. Hardy will need a major swerve involving Lita (which is highly unlikely) or interference from an enraged Kane (which is more likely, but would kill any heat left in this feud)to get through this grudge match with a victory. This could be the sleeper match of the night, provided they go all out. The intensity and drama are still relevant, but they need to fight with a killer instinct to give it a feeling of real hatred. Otherwise, Hardy’s return will mean nothing more than a payday and he will end up back in obscurity.
Dominick’s Custody Ladder Match – Guerrero vs. Mysterio
Prediction: Mysterio.
Analysis: All of their previous matches (Mysterio victories) have been very good or excellent. With the ladder and custody stipulations hanging over them (figuratively speaking) this will undoubtedly be their best offering yet. I am going to proclaim this as the match of the night, because the drama and nature of this battle are too intriguing to ignore. These guys can tear it up, and I see them leaving everything out there, no matter who comes out victorious. Hopefully, and I speak for just about everyone, this feud will finally conclude. Rey wins in a dramatic, but clean finish, and walks off with Dominick to a nice ovation. Guerrero and Mysterio eventually reunite, and go to war with the Mexicools (this would be fun to watch)
US Championship – Orlando Jordan vs. Chris Benoit
Prediction: Benoit.
Analysis: This one is all about Benoit giving us another great wrestling clinic. Orlando Jordan will lose this match (getting suplexed into oblivion) but he will gain some valuable experience. I think Jordan has improved somewhat, especially with his confidence and mic work. Benoit will capture the US title, and promptly give it the name recognition and respect that it used to have. Besides, I like the prospects of Jordan on the chase, or even getting into a confrontation with JBL, and perhaps a feud developing between them. Benoit will immediately pay dividends (the PPV kind) in future Title matches with Christian, Booker T, and Eddie Guerrero.
Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Prediction: Orton.
Analysis: This has the makings of something special (did I really say that?) given that it’s a rematch of their great battle from WM21. Orton has recovered well from the injury, and doesn’t look like he’s lost a step. He’s maintained himself to be in phenomenal condition. Orton’s arrogance, and strong heel persona are still shining through. He just has that confidence and ability which immediately puts him into the World Title picture. Undertaker, unlike Hogan, still has enough left in the tank to put on a decent performance. He will push Orton to the limit, and even come close to another victory. But I feel that now is Orton’s time to receive that big push that he was in the midst of right before he got injured. Their first match was surprisingly strong, and there is some good chemistry between them. Taker will hit all of his signature spots, before Orton pulls an RKO out of nowhere for an important victory.
Eugene vs. Kurt Angle
Prediction: Christie (no, just kidding) Angle wins.
Analysis: After Guerrero vs Mysterio, this could be a dark horse contender for match of the night. I like when Angle mixes it up with someone in contrast to his style. He’s one of the very few stars who can wrestle any kind of match against a wide variety of opponents. Diversity at it’s very best! Angle’s strong ring work and intensity matches up well with Eugene’s unorthodox, yet balanced attack of wrestling holds and classic finishers (borrowed from everyone, including Rock, Austin, etc.) This match will also have a comedic element to it, since Eugene has the (fake) medals, and Christie Hemme will be playing cheerleader at ringside. I look for Eugene to frustrate Kurt early on, but then a resurgent Angle will wear him down late and make him tap out.
Ringmaster T is the writer of Top Rope Analysis.
Ryan Tyler’s Predictions:
Was up guys! I’m very excited about this year’s oppurtunity to participate in the Round Table dicussion on the WWE second most prestigious PPV event of the year! This PPV really needs no introduction as far as the enent its self and the history it carries with it. Summerslam has produced some of the best and most memorable matches in WWE history. Along with WrestleMania, this is the PPV event I have always most looked forward to, especialy the last 8 years. It is kind of like Wrestlemania, in the sence that it gives you that “big time event” feel and you know they will put on a show for the ages. This year in paticular has me extreemly excited to watch the PPV, because of all the newly born stars; John Cena, Batista, and JBL, and also the stars on the definate rise; Carlito, Randy Orton, Rey Masterio, Edge, and Matt Hardy. Also, established stars that are sure to put on memorable matches, like Chris Benoit, Chris Jericoh, and Kurt Angle will be on hand, and just to put the icing on the cake for this year’s event: legends like The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and the immortal Hulk Hogan are there and apart of the card to ensure the show’s “big time feel” and success. All of this combined is sure to make for one of the best Summerslam events WWE has put on in years. So if you dont buy WWE PPV’s on a regular basis, this IS the one to buy and I encourage everyone reading to do so! Lets show our support to the rising stars of the WWE and let them know that they are having success. Let’s all help ensure that this year’s Summerslam is labled a success!
WWE Championship – John Cena vs. Chris Jericho
Prediction: John Cena
Analysis: It apears that this will be Jericoh’s last match in WWE for quite some time, so unless they plan on having him drop the title the next night on RAW, I don’t see him coming out on top. The only other way I see him coming out on top, is if he demanded a title win to prove the WWE is serious about treating him as a true star, or he would leave the WWE and go elsewhere. The WWE would NOT want this for extreemly obvious reasons, so he just might come out on top. Either way, it wouldnt hurt either of these men to lose this match as long as they continued the fued, but I think Jericoh has the edge as far as the one who should be walking out of SummerSlam the WWE champion. But including all of the roomers and circumstances, I just dont see Jericoh winning the WWE title with fears that he might bolt anyway, unless previous reasurrances have been made.
World Heavyweight Championship – Batista vs. JBL – No Holds Barred
Prediction: JBL
Analysis: Now I was really stumped on this one because conventional wisdome, ignoring the on going rumors would have Batista winning. There have been rumors widely circulating that Brock Lesner will make his return at SummerSlam, if this is the case, I see Brock Lesnar running in during the middle of the match and screwing Batista out of the title giving JBL with win, meaning that JBL and Lesner would form an alliance. This would set up a mega dream fued between Batista and Brock Lesner possibaly taking place at Survivor Series. This would also allow Batista to continue his fued with JBL as well, atleast through Survivor Series where by then, he would theareticly have won the title back from JBL allowing him to face Brock Lesner at Survivor Series with the championship on the line to put a greater emphasis on the match. This would all but ensure a high buyrate for Survivor Series, of course that would be an example of smart-long-term booking, somthing the WWE hasnt been good at for years. But considering thats all based on a roomer, so I’ll get back to conventonial wisdom. Batista will get screwed out of the title some how giving JBL the win because I dont see them ending this fued at this paticular PPV considering they need to make sure JBL keeps his heat, and a title win would ensure that. I also see a Randy Orton-Batista fued in the very near future as they are alreading testing the two in matches at house shows, so dont be surprised if the seeds are set for that fued in some way at summerslam.
Shawn Michaels vs. Hulk Hogan
Prediction: Shawn Michaels
Analysis: Shawn Michaels will get this win via screw job or “injury” to Hogan caused by HBK to continue playing up on his recent trend in character. I dont care what anyone is saying, WWE is dead set on having Bret Hart come back to the WWE and a screwjob or purpose injury to Hogan would only play more into this. Hogan will probably dissapear after this match “rehabing” his injury caused by HBK, and get healthy intime for Wrestlemania to have his real “final match” against HBK as a revenge match. In between that time though, WWE is trying thei’r hardest to intice Bret Hart back to the WWE to feud with HBK, possably at survivor series, which would be the perfect place, considering thats where the screw job took place in the first place 8 years ago.
Matt Hardy vs. Edge
Prediction: Edge
Analysis: Edge will win this match and I’m 100% sure about that, infact this is the match I’m most sure about. Edge is on the rise and I dont see them ending this fued this soon, Edge will win by cheating and they will continue thei’r fued through Survivor Series.
Dominick’s Custody Ladder Match – Guerrero vs. Mysterio
Prediction: Guerrero
Analysis: Eddie wins via cheating, like the match before, I dont see them ending this fued at this paticular PPV, it will continue through Smackdown’s next PPV, No Mercy.
US Championship – Orlando Jordan vs. Chris Benoit
Prediction: Chris Benoit
Analysis: Chris Benoit wins this match via tap out to quickly put this fued to rest, where he will go into a short fued with Randy Orton.
Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Prediction: Randy Orton
Analysis: Randy Orton WILL win this match no doubt about it. Orton is the future of the WWE all hands down, and thats not just an opinion, that comes from WWE managment. Undertaker is an established legend who’s at the point in his carrer where he is trying to give back to the business, and that means helping to put over new stars. A loss to Randy Orton will NOT in any way hurt the Undertaker, so regardless, Orton should get this win to build on his rising momentum. Besides, Taker won his match against Orton at WM keeping his record perfect at 14-0, and this should be Randy’s turn for Taker to lay down for him. The only way I see Taker coming out on top, is if they are ready to wrap this fued up, and not continue it for a final showdown at Smackdown’s No Mercy, PPV, possably in a Hell in a Cell match, which has been roomered. This would allow Taker to get the win at No Mercy, in a Hell in a Cell Match but at the same time, give Randy Orton extreemly good credibility for going though such a brutal match. This would also end the Taker-Orton fued just in time for Survivor Series where I see him (Randy Orton) involved in the championship picture. There is also another way about this. Orton gets his win against the Undertaker, goes onto a short fued with Chris Benoit, which buys him time untill he gets involved in the championship picture at Survivor Series. I then see him Winning the Royal Rumble at the Royal Rumble PPV and go on to face Batista at Wrestlemania for the WWE Title. This is the big time money match the WWE is so obviously working towards. I dont see this match as really a fued, I see it as a greater Stratagy to build up Randy “the future” Orton.
Eugene vs. Kurt Angle
Prediction: Kurt Angle
Analysis: Now this was another math I was stumped on because I just don’t see WWE wasting time on Eugene like this just for him to lose and fall off into the lower card ranks. On one hand, I wanted to see a Eugene Heel turn, surprising the crowd that his retarded act was just an act the whole time but then that would put Angle in the position to be the “Face” which I don’t see any purpose to. Angle is the WWE’s second strongest heel and they need him in that role for future bouts with John Cena and other rising stars that need a credabal “Heel” to work off of. Besides that, I dont see the WWE ready to turn Eugene heel just yet, give it a couple more months of prime time exposure in his current role, and the heel turn will be much more effective.
Ryan Tyler is the writer of Hardball.
The Crow’s Predictions:
Summerslam Predictions- Rachelle “Crow” Arslan
With the exception of a few matches, this year’s Summerslam looks to be a rather mediocre event. Given the quality (or lack there of) of programming on the two brands, this is hardly a surprise. One of the main event matches is no more than an afterthought, substituting JBL for a missing Muhammed Hassan to face a recently absent Batista. The other Championship match involves two extremely popular superstars in a feud that has dragged on for too long with absolutely no momentum. And the big headlining match relies on the nostalgia factor of Hulk Hogan to bring in ratings. (This is not to take anything away from Shawn Michaels, who’s proved to be one of the saving graces on Raw in recent weeks)
On the bright side, the much-anticipated match between Matt Hardy and Edge should breathe some life into the show. TheWM 21 rematch between Undertaker and Randy Orton also brings in some fresh air while the match between Nick Dinsmore (Eugene) and Kurt Angle should offer some of the best action of the night (provided there is no interference from the Immortal One). And hey, even if the Summerslam turns out to be total bust, the good news is, that in comparison, it’s still going to look better than last month’s Great American Bash.
WWE Championship- John Cena vs. Chris Jericho
Prediction: John Cena
Analysis: The lackluster feud between the WWE Champ and Chris Jericho will come to an end on Sunday with Cena retaining the title. While this program has had the potential to produce high quality matches, so far any real action has been stifled by some type of interference or hindered by the tedium of the storyline. It would be nice if the fans on Sunday get a full-out, uncompromised match, but with Eric Bischoff in the picture, it doesn’t look too promising.
World Heavyweight Championship- Batista vs. JBL- No Holds Barred
Prediction: Batista
Analysis: The bottom line is that lately, Batista’s gotten screwed. His TV time has been reduced, he’s been blamed for the poor performance of his opponents and he’s been robbed of facing a worthy opponent in Muhammed Hassan. Still, I don’t see him losing the strap on Sunday. Even though it is customary for a WWE belt-holder to lose the title in their hometown, I predict that Batista will win the match in D.C and remain the World Heavyweight Champ. To put it in the most simple terms, a win for JBL would not only make Batista look weak, but would make his former opponent Triple H look even weaker. And I really don’t think anyone in the organization is stupid enough to let that happen. But then again, we’ve all underestimated the creative team’s stupidity before…
Shawn Michaels vs. Hulk Hogan
Prediction: Hulk Hogan
Analysis: Raw has been all about Hogan lately so why should the second biggest pay-per-view of the year be any different? Michaels has upped his game, given some fantastic promos lately and his in-ring work has been better than ever. But once again, fans will witness Hogan wrestle the same old-timey-style match against his younger, more athletically gifted opponent and they will be expected to believe that the elder Hogan is physically on par with Michaels in every way, (Just as they were suppose to believe that he could keep up with Kurt Angle on Raw this past Monday.) I don’t mean this as a jab at Hogan. The man is a true legend. No one can argue with that. But it is unfair to expect fans to buy into the illusion that Hogan can keep up with the younger, athletically superior wrestlers of today and not only hold his own, but beat them in a fair fight.
Matt Hardy vs. Edge
Prediction: Edge
Analysis: Edge has gone beyond just rising to the occasion in this program. He has turned up the heat full blast and shows no signs of cooling down. Without a doubt, he is the stronger man coming into this match. He has looked great in his most recent matches on Raw and the intense, blistering promo he gave a few weeks back shows that he has no plans of backing down. Hardy, on the other hand, hasn’t done much more than what he’s now best known for: bitching and moaning about getting screwed. His “Wrasslin’s-fake-I-hope-Edge-dies” promo didn’t help matters any. It just made him look like a bitter teenager whose prom date ran off with someone else.
Dominick’s Custody Ladder Match- Guerrero vs. Mysterio
Prediction: Mysterio
Analysis: Winner of the “And-You-Thought-the Muhammed-Hussan-Terrorist-Angle-was-Tasteless” award. My only question to the writers is, why the subtlety? Why not just put Dominick in the briefcase instead of the custody papers, give Eddie and Rey kindo sticks and tell them the briefcase is a piñata?
U.S Championship- Orlando Jordan vs. Chris Benoit.
Prediction: Benoit
Analysis: This feud isn’t going anywhere and apparently, neither is Orlando Jordan with the U.S. Title. After the Basham brothers bailed on JBL, it seemed like just a matter of time before ol’ Orlandowheat followed suit. But he’s still working for JBL, fulfilling his Chief of Staff duties and carrying that belt around everywhere he goes. The poor guy’s had a hard time focusing with all those responsibilities. On Sunday, Benoit will relieve him of at least one of those responsibilities. Try to guess which one.
Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Prediction: Undertaker
Analyisis: Alright, you wanna know how this whole thing really started? Backstage on Smackdown, Randy Orton accidentally mistook the Undertaker’s casket for one of the diva’s purses and left him a fudgey present inside. Even though it happened months ago, Takey is still pissed. Apparently, scatological pranks are even less amusing to dead guys than they are to girls who used to work at Hooters. Who knew?
Eugene vs. Kurt Angle
Prediction: Kurt Angle
Analysis: By now, everyone knows that there is more than one side of Kurt Angle. There’s the naïve, milk-drinking Kurt Angle, there’s the bestiality-loving pervert Kurt Angle and there’s the pissed-off American-psycho Kurt Angle. As complex a man as Kurt is, this Sunday fans are probably only going to see that last side. After witnessing him foaming at the mouth and nearly rupturing a couple of blood vessels in that bald head of his while yelling at poor Eugene this past Monday, it’s obvious he means business. When it comes to his Gold Medal, your Olympic Hero does not play. Oh, it’s true. And even though this storyline begged for some “Special Olympics” jokes, Angle stayed focused and angry and gave no indication that anything is going to change come Sunday night. All I can say is when those straps on that singlet come down, watch out!.
Rachelle “Crow” Arslan is the writer of The Crow’s Nest.
Eddie’s Predictions:
Vince McMahon, and specifically the people who he considers as first-hand help when it comes to business decisions, like to think of SummerSlam as the event to “make things happen.” As Trevor mentioned earlier, history tends to prove that this is the show where new faces get brought into the top tier of the company, and others begin getting built up for the future. This year’s card is very interesting, with a few top-level matches that the company could have turned into high-profile feuds, but for the same reasons most of their business has been bad as of late – poor booking in advance – failed to do so. On paper, this card contains five main events that the company could have pushed through the sky. In reality, there’s only two, and the sad part is that neither one of them is for one of the two major titles. They are Shawn Michaels/Hulk Hogan and Eddie Guerrero/Rey Mysterio. The most important things to note heading into the PPV is that they have done poorly booking Batista on SmackDown, and although they have done a good job of turning Cena into a draw, they have failed to provide future opponents for the two, as well as establish them as real stars in the eyes of the people; although in Cena’s case, and for the most part in Batista’s case, the fans have bought them up and their supporters seem to rise in number. Building a PPV around Hulk Hogan in 2005, as well as a Mysterio/Guerrero match which we’ve already seen many times on TV AND on PPV in the past few months, must be something WWE needs to learn from and not repeat. Unfortunately, as history has proven, they won’t learn.
WWE Championship – John Cena vs. Chris Jericho
Prediction: John Cena
Analysis: John Cena, in three years, has become the top guy in WWE. The company has done a good job of keeping him on top, but have already ran into trouble getting him a solid opponent. After three years of doing nothing, Chris Jericho returns to the top. Jericho’s problem is that he’s too nice of a guy. Throughout the past few years he has done everything they’ve asked of him instead of getting greedy and politicking backstage. He’s in a state of mind where in his opinion, he’s accomplished everything there’s to accomplish in this business – become world champion, and main event WrestleMania. To be a serious character, he needs some time off, and a strong comeback, which might actually happen later this year. Other than that, I’m sure that he’ll be able to carry Cena to a more than decent, even good, match. Carlito will be closeby. This storyline has done well for the most part, and Bischoff’s involvement in my opinion helped a little.
World Heavyweight Championship – Batista vs. JBL – No Holds Barred
Prediction: Batista
Analysis: Unlike Cena, they dropped the ball with Batista. In my mind, he’s not the #1 guy on SmackDown! at the moment. JBL was able to get a tremendous hardcore match out of John Cena only a couple of months ago, so I don’t see a reason for him not to be able to repeat that feat. The fact is that what JBL lacks in his in-ring ability, he makes up for with his toughness and will to take lots of pain. I think he’ll actually do a good job of putting Batista over, but a problem here is that the way they’ve booked Batista, he shouldn’t need any weapons or outside help to beat the crap out of JBL. We’ll see what they come up with.
Shawn Michaels vs. Hulk Hogan
Prediction: Hulk Hogan
Analysis: Six or seven years ago, this would have been a huge money-making match, having in mind the state of the business and these two men. In 2005, this seems like just another match that shouldn’t be more special than what they’re offering on the card. But it is. The only reason for it is Shawn Michaels, whose heel turn changed to a face turn on several occassions throughout this program. However, that was ok, because well, Hogan is Hogan, and he will remain face for the most part. Hogan has done well enough as a support player to HBK’s tremendous promos to the point where going into the PPV with this bout as a main event, the company can feel safe about their buys. As far as the wrestling goes, I am a bit skeptical. I feel that only Angle and Michaels can get a good match out of Hogan in 2005, and seeing how Angle failed miserably on RAW makes me worry big time. However, HBK is a wrestling god, unlike JBL. I’m picking Hogan here, because the idea is for him to work a bout potentially with Steve Austin at WrestleMania next year, which is why he needs to be built for it. If they do a rematch, which doesn’t make sense, I would expect Michaels to get the win.
Matt Hardy vs. Edge
Prediction: Matt Hardy
Analysis: At this point in time, Edge will not be hurt from a loss here. They have dropped the ball big time on his push, anyway. Do you remember that he still has a #1 contender spot in that briefcase of his? Me neither. Hardy needs the victory big time here. This could have been one of the biggest feuds in WWE’s recent history. It really did have that potential, but Matt Hardy’s ridiculous promo breaking kayfabe, followed by WWE’s poorly booking of his return the very same night, ruined this. A promo by Edge the week after put some life back into it, but other booking decisions, such as Hardy’s come-back match with Snitsky, and the constant pull-aparts between the two have ruined it again.
Dominick’s Custody Ladder Match – Guerrero vs. Mysterio
Prediction: Guerrero
Analysis: This is a very tough call. Mysterio is supposed to work with Randy Orton in the near future after the PPV, while Eddie is supposed to move on to work with JBL. However, last I heard there’s a chance for these two to go at it for another month. This storyline has been very weird. The booking has been horrible, as the storyline itself is pure crap and many hate it. However, the delivery these two guys have had, combined with some great acting by Mysterio’s family have turned this into a classic, and this year’s best feud. Every time Eddie Guerrero has spoken after his heel turn, it has been an off-the-charts promo. Mysterio, two weeks ago, had the promo of his career as well. This should be used by pro wrestling students as a prime example of what being a star is. Turning something crappy into gold is the sign of a true star. And when two men can make such a ridiculous storyline, which ends in a match that has the custody papers that decide a children’s life at stake, good, then they’re definitely stars. The passion and feelings that come out of Rey and Eddie are amazing.
US Championship – Orlando Jordan vs. Chris Benoit
Prediction: Chris Benoit
Analysis: Well if Jordan wins this, then logic would die. Benoit is the last opportunity to make something with the US belt. They need him on TV every week, and seeing as the current champion is a face who shouldn’t lose the belt soon, they have to find him something else to do, and I guess the US belt is the way to go.
Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Prediction: Orton
Analysis: It’s very important for ‘Taker to do the job here. He has to lose clean to Orton. Randy is the only chance for SmackDown’s future, and following their match at WrestleMania, he needs the win here. I must say, I was very surprised with how these two tore it up at ‘Mania, so I’m looking forward to see if they can follow it up at SummerSlam. Orton seems to bring something special out of ‘Taker, and they have great chemistry together.
Eugene vs. Kurt Angle
Prediction: Angle
Analysis: This is really not the feud they want for Angle, seeing as he’s next in line to challenge Cena for the belt. However, knowing the type of character he is, I think he’ll work through it just fine. Should be a good match, especially if they let Eugene work.
Eddie is the writer of The Prime Cut.
Thanks for joining us and enjoy the PPV. Come back to TBL after the show, and throughout the next day for coverage of the event.
