Hey everyone and welcome to another edition of Chris Considers RAW. Paul was busy with work commitments this week and asked me at the last minute to fill in which means he will once again be covering Smackdown this coming weekend. He sure got the better show last week!

First off my apologies this is a little later than Paul gets them up but since I only found out at the last minute I needed to do this I had already scheduled my work hours for the week and so despite my best attempts was unable to stay awake past 4am last night (Tues) and tonight I did not even get home till 2.30am!

So WWE have made some unsurprising roster cuts and TNA have made a surprising roster cut this past week, as usual I will take a look at each name and what I hope happens for them in the next stage of their careers

Maria: This was the only WWE roster cut that caught me completely by surprise. Whilst Maria has never been that solid in the ring she had something that many other divas on the roster don’t and that was she was incredibly over with the fans. I cannot fathom why WWE would chose to release their most popular diva (she won the Slammy for diva of the year remember as voted for by the fans), especially since she had just started a storyline romance with Matt Hardy and had as of late been cutting some pretty good promos. To be honest I cannot see Maria wrestling again, I think she will pursue music and modelling opportunities which I imagine she will be very successful in.

Paul Burchill: A great shame to see my fellow Brit released but I cant say I didn’t see this one coming. Burchill proved time and time again that he can go in the ring and I think it is a huge shame that WWE couldn’t come up with anything decent for him. The most obvious destination for Burchill is TNA where he could immediately link up with the British Invasion and show WWE what they are missing out on. An incredibly frustrating example of a good talent wasted by poor booking.

Hurricane Helms: Another eye brow raising call here from the good folks at WWE creative. Whether wrestling as the Hurricane or as himself Helms was over with the fans and it is just mind boggling that a roster that includes the likes of The Great Khali, Vladimir Kozlov and Hornswoggle cannot accommodate Helms. I know he got himself in hot water with his arrest but so did Jericho and now he is World Heavyweight Champion! Helms will almost certainly link up with Shannon in Jeff over in TNA and I would imagine it is only a matter of time (or his contract expiring) till Matt Hardy joins them.

Charlie Haas: Haas is, or should I saw was, one of the best pure wrestlers on the WWE roster. If he had been booked and pushed correctly he could have easily become the next Benoit or Angle. Instead he was saddled with crappy gimmicks, useless partners (not Shelton obviously) and chronically underused. Haas could put on a five star match on any given night and WWE creative are complete idiots for the way they used him. I would imagine Haas would make a great fit in either ROH or Dragons Gate USA and I hope gets regular thirty minute matches to give a big FU to Vince and Company.

Scott Armstrong: Armstrong was heavily featured in a major storyline last summer with CM Punk and The Undertaker. I feel very sorry for him as he always seemed to go out and do his job very well. The good news for Armstrong is he will almost certainly get picked up by one of the other promotions and hopefully they will show him more loyalty than WWE!

Awesome Kong: Seriously what the hell was Hogan thinking letting Kong walk. I think it is a definite sign that he really couldn’t give a crap about one of TNA’s most popular divisions when he lets one of the talents that made it walk. Kong is probably one of the top three female workers in the world and a huge asset to any company she wrestles in. TNA are MAD for letting her go and you can sure they will regret it. I have one main thing to say: Fuck you Bubba The Love Sponge, thanks to you the heart and soul of the Knockout division is gone. I think it is a formality that Kong will sign with WWE and hopefully with women on the roster like Kong, Kim, Beth and Mickie, the Women’s division can be utilised properly once more although recently it seems neither WWE or TNA really give a crap about women’s wrestling which is a real shame.

I would discuss more but I really want to get this up so expect more in depth discussion including a full analysis of WWE vs TNA round 2 in next weeks Smackdown blog!

Lets talk some RAW!

Cole and Lawler hype up Bret Hart’s farewell speech as well as Ted DiBiase taking on Randy Orton

Opening Segment: Shawn Michaels & Triple H

Shawn comes out to a pop from the fans and we see highlights of Shawn taking out the Undertaker at the Elimination Chamber followed by the AMAZING promo last week with Shawn’s career being put up against the streak. Shawn seems surprised by the loud ‘HBK’ chant and talks about the buzz around the locker room and everyone thinks he is crazy for putting his career on the line. Shawn says as he walks around looks at his peers they look away and not one of them believes he can defeat the Undertaker at Wrestlemania. Shawn says he recognises the streak but also none has given the Undertaker a run for their money like Shawn as and he knows as an undeniable fact he is Mr Wrestlemania and he believes he can end the streak. Shawn says his peers now have the chance to come out and look him in the eye man to man and tell him he can’t win. Triple H’s music hits and Shawn looks distraught, Hunter makes his way to the ring and Shawn asks even his friend of 15 years thinks he cant beat the Undertaker. Triple H says he doesn’t think he can beat the Undertaker he knows Shawn can beat the Undertaker (big pop from the fans) Hunter says this is not about the fans, the cameras or anyone else this is between him and Shawn and he can tell him that after 15 years wrestling everyone in the business he can honestly from the bottom of the heart say Shawn is the best he has ever been in the ring with. Hunter says that Shawn talks about his peers, well in this locker room he has no peers as he is in a class of his own. Hunter says that every year their paths to Wrestlemania lead them apart but DX will never die although it may be a long time before they are in the ring together again. Hunter says he doesn’t want the last memory of DX to be losing the WWE tag titles to Show-Miz which is why he has invoked their rematch clause for tonight (huge pop from the fans) Shawn says he appreciates the opportunity but they are going down separate paths, Hunter says as tag champions they don’t have to defend the titles for 30 days and in 28 days time it will be the RAW after Wrestlemania after Shawn has beaten the Undertaker Hunter says they come out and throw a party like only DX can throw. Hunter says it has nothing to do with championships but all about his belief in Shawn, he believes Shawn will be here the night after Wrestlemania, he believes The Undertaker’s streak will come to an end, he believes Shawn’s career will be alive and well and he believes Shawn will beat the Undertaker. Hunter asks Shawn what he believes and Shawn looks at the fans and says he believes they have some tag team titles to win tonight.

Chris Considers: Wow, just wow that was awesome. To anyone knowing that was not scripted you could have believed that was real. For the first time in a long time on RAW I was able to completely suspend my disbelief and hear every word both Hunter and Shawn said. Such emotion and such a fantastic way to open the show! Plus a match featuring DX is guaranteed a decent amount of time so we will at least get one strong match tonight!

The guest hosts Cheech and Chong are backstage, I have never heard of or seen either of these guys but I guess they do a lot of drugs. The Bellas come on to them and they make some bad sexual innuendo jokes before the Bellas take one of them on a tour whilst the other guy looks at Hornswoggle who gives him some Lucky Charms and apparently has some kind of acid trip.

Chris Considers: From the very good to the very crap… RAW in a nutshell I guess.

Match 1: Randy Orton vs Ted DiBiase

Orton gets a pop on his entrance and seems to have speeded up his walk to the ring. Ted looks really fired up and ready to go. The two exchange strikes and kicks before Orton gets the upper hand with a clothesline. The story early on here was Ted pretty much wrestling a very similar style to Orton until Orton gained the upper hand slamming Ted’s face into the post on the outside. After a commercial Ted is stomping the hell out of Orton and completely dominating him. Ted looked really good here and got a near fall after a big kick to the face. Orton hit a big time power slam to turn the tide and stomped the hell out of Ted before calling for the RKO, Cody got involved however and causes the DQ as Legacy double team Orton who comes back and ejects them both from the ring before trying to give Cody a through the ropes DDT only for Ted to save him. Legacy stalk up the ramp as Orton stands tall in the ring.

Result: Randy Orton defeats Ted DiBiase via disqualification **1/2

Chris Considers: This was a really solid match, obviously they were not going to give too much away considering they will be going at it at Wrestlemania but I really enjoyed this. It is fascinating watching Ted wrestle an almost identical style to his former mentor and it led to a very even match up. Cody interfering was predictable although I would have personally liked to see Ted sneak the win to build the feud in Legacy’s favour. It is certainly interesting nothing Randy’s very positive face reactions!

We see Bret Hart hobble out of a limo backstage.

The guest host is still “smacked” on Lucky Charms and thinks he is rubbing Eve and is actually rubbing Regal. Chris Masters talks as Kelly Kelly and then Hornswoggle turns up and gives the other host some Charms and they both get ‘stoned’

Chris Considers: My how PG… the thing where he was rubbing Regal’s hair was actually pretty funny though.

We see a solid promo video hyping the Cena vs Batista feud, not a patch on the Shawn/Taker one from last week but still pretty good.

Match 2: MITB Qualifying Match: Jack Swagger vs Santino

Jack Swagger reminds me of a gorilla when he does his entrance. Hopefully 2010 will start looking up for a guy that has lost pretty much every match he has been in this year. Swagger hits his Gut Wrench power bomb in about 10 seconds for the win

Result: Jack Swagger defeats Santino To Qualify for MITB N/A

Chris Considers: If we hadn’t had that rubbish with the guest hosts this could have actually been a match…

In Ring Segment: John Cena & Batista

Cena comes out to a monster pop, I am going to take a moment to mention how hideous that Orange T-shirt is! He should have stuck with the beware of the dog one, at least that looked pretty cool. Cena looks pretty happy at his reception and says people tell him that Batista stole the title from him at the Elimination Chamber. Cena disagrees and says it was about business and it wasn’t the first time someone has cashed in an opportunity on him and it wont be the last. Cena says he doesn’t understand why Batista has been assaulting him as they have both been in WWE a long time and at some points he even considered him a friend and Cena has never had a problem with Batista but now Batista has a problem with him. Cena says he has a silver lining and he is going to the main event of Wrestlemania. Cena says after last week he should pay Batista back and he believes he should do it right now. Batista comes out flanked by security and holds the belt high on the ramp. Cena laughs and if he is seeing things Batista rolling with security. Batista says the security are not here to protect him, they are there to protect Cena and to stop Batista from hurting him again. Batista tells Cena he can thank him any time and Cena invites him into the ring and calls him a pansy. Batista tells Cena he amuses him and says he did what he did last week because he wants to face him at Wrestlemania so they both get what they want. Batista talks about them starting out and how their rise to the top was identical despite them being different. Batista says they are the two biggest stars since the Attitude Era and both won world title at Wrestlemania 21 and never looked back. Batista says for an insane reason the company has labelled Cena the man and name and face of the company with championships, magazines, commercials, movies, the torch was passed from Austin to Cena whereas it should have been Batista. Huge Cena chant from the fans cuts from Batista who screams that he did what he did because he wants to prove to everyone that he is better than Cena and he just cant stand him. Cena asks if it is about a fictional torch and at Wrestlemania he wants the title. Cena says he is going to say something very real, he works his butt off for the company, he is the first there and the last to leave whereas Batista is too cool to show up on time. Cena says he has given his life for this business whereas Batista expects the business to be given to him. Cena says Batista is selfish and Batista agrees and says he is here to make money and win title and he does not care about the people and tells Cena to keep hugging babies and kissing fat girls and whilst he is doing that Batista will be in a gym training. Batista tells Cena when they are in the ring bad things happen to Cena and he broke his neck. Cena gets riled up and Batista tells him he doesn’t care what he is thinking all he is good at and all he does is bark. Batista tells Cena to fire up the fans with a catchphrase and tells him he cant beat him and deep down he knows it. Cena looks broken in the ring as Batista poses with the belt.

Chris Considers: Batista just oozed cool here and came off so well on the mic. He is just awesome as a heel on the mic! Cena switched from goofy to serious which was irritating but once again I liked the serious Cena. Very solid promo that furthered this feud.

The guest hosts are backstage and everyone is dressed as Mexicans including Primo, Carlito, Chavo, Katie Lea and Yoshi. Santino as a chicken tells us a diva pillowfight is coming up.

Chris Considers: Vince is spot on, the guest host gimmick has run its course…

Match 3: MITB Qualifying Match: Zak Ryder with Rosa Mendes vs MVP

MVP gets a nice pip whereas Ryder doesn’t even get an entrance. MVP dominates early here and hits an overhead throw, Facebuster, Ballin Elbow and Playmaker and its over.

Result: MVP defeats Zak Ryder via Pinfall to qualify for MITB N/A

Chris Considers: So Zak Ryder can go for twent minutes against Christian on ECW and yet barely lasts 30 seconds against MVP??? Total Bullshit. There is so much crap on this show and so little wrestling it is a wonder anyone watches it…

Diva Pyjama Pillow Fight

So this is the crap I get instead of a competitive match between Zak and MVP. Right… the guest hosts stumble before the girls still pretending to be high on Lucky Charms. Morons. I really wanted Miz to come out and save this with his mic work, sadly that did not happen. If anyone cares Jillian beat down everyone until everyone Kelly tried to pin her. Gail Kim cleans house on the heel divas until Eve takes here out and hits pretty sweet flip drop kick for the win. Micheal Cole calls it a great match, what a fucking moron. Afterwards Hornswoggle comes out and hurls cereal around everywhere. Seriously gripping stuff this here…

Chris Considers: I cannot believe I have battled against sleep and stayed up to cover this! Utter garbage!

We learn Mad Dog Vachon is the next inductee into the WWE Hall of Dame. I am not that familiar with his work but have read about his work in the past. Definatly a deserving figure

King and Cole run down the Wrestlemania card to waste a few more minutes that could have been devoted to wrestling.

In Ring Segment: Vince McMahon and Bret Hart

Vince cuts off Roberts as he is introducing Bret and struts to the ring. Vince says it is an honour to introduce a man who is about to make his final farewell. Vince runs through Bret’s titles and says he has the upmost respect for him (I think we all know where this is going) Bret comes out on a crutch in plaster although he is actually walking on the leg a bit which is ridiculous seeing as I did exactly the same injury last year and couldn’t hobble let alone walk for over 4 weeks! We see highlights of the “accident” Vince says he had nothing to do with the accident and Bret says he doesn’t know if that’s true or not but since he has come back Vince has treated him like garbage and if he wants to let Bret say his final goodbye Vince should get out of the ring. Vince says Bret called him a world champion liar and he was right, Vince says he didn’t invite Bret here to let him say goodbye. Vince gets in Bret’s face about challenging him to a match at Wrestlemania, Bret points out his injury but Vince says even an old fossil like Bret can heal in six weeks. Vince taunts Bret for not coming back to make peace but for really wanting to fight Vince. Bret agrees and says he has wanted to fight Vince for 13 years. Vince says they should fight at Wrestlamnia and challenges Bret to face his dreams. Vince says he is the guy who screwed Bret in Montreal, sent him off to WCW where he embarrassed himself, who spat in his face, who lied about Stu being in the Hall of Fame. Vince says if that is not enough how about for his fans all over the world. Vince asks the fans if they would like to see Bret vs Vince at Wrestlemania and they pop. Bret says he knows what Vince is trying to do and tells him he cant wrestle, he has a broken leg and calls Vince an idiot. Vince tells Bret his last name used to stand for something but now he has no heart and has let everyone don. Vince gets in Bret’s face, calls him a coward and kicks the crutch away to heat from the fans. Vince continues call Bret a coward, yellow to the bone and rotten to the core. Bret screams they have a match at Wrestlemania and the fans pop. Vince says next week to show off his physical conditioning he will take on Bret’s biggest fan: John Cena.

Chris Considers: This was the third long promo of the night but unlike the Hunter/Shawn and Cena/Batista promos, I did not enjoy this as much. Vince can over do it sometimes and did so here. I like the idea of them facing each other at Wrestlemania (however bad the match will be) just so I can see Bret make Vince tap.

Main Event: Unified Tag Title Match: Show-Miz © vs De-Generation X

DX come out to a great response from the fans but don’t do their usual spiel as I am guessing the show is over running. After a break Shawn is chopping Show before getting decapitated by a clothesline. Miz stomps away at Shawn and gets a near fall from a boot to the face. Big Show does his big punches and talks smack to Shawn before applying a bear hug. Shawn continued to play partner in distress until he is finally able to make the hot tag to Hunter who cleans house on Big Show but Miz stops the Pedigree only to eat a Spinebuster. Show the chokeslammed Triple H but the ref was distracted with Miz and Shawn nailed Show with a Superkick and both men are down. Both men tag out and Shawn takes the Miz apart with his signature offence and calls for the Superkick but Undertaker appears on the Titantron and rolls his eyes at Shawn who turns right into a rollup from Miz who gets a very quick three count. Shawn is livid following the match

Result: Show-Miz defeat De-Generation X to retain the Unified Tag Titles *1/2

Chris Considers: I actually thought we were going to get a decent main event but it was far too short. Show-Miz were booked as chumps here and were completely dominated and only retained due to Taker’s appearance. I did like the spot where Shawn nailed Show with the Superkick whilst the referee was distracted but that was about it

In Ring Segment: Sheamus & Triple H

Shawn yells at Hunter and stalks out of the arena which allows Sheamus to strike and Sheamus annihilates Triple H with an impressive beat down complete with an Irish Curse Kick over the announce desk. Sheamus poses to huge heat from the fans. Unintentionally funny moment, a fan at ringside yelled at Sheamus ‘ooo your gonna get knocked the fuck out’

Chris Conisders: This sets up a Wrestlemania showdown between these two nicely. Good booking here as Sheamus got a tonne of heat.

Ok so first off the positives. Well we got some good build here for Wrestlemania in that Vince and Bret was added to the card and the Batista vs Cena and Undertaker vs HBK feuds were furthered. We also got the two other feuds likely to make the card (Legacy vs Orton and Sheamus vs Triple H) develop which was good. Orton and Ted had a really enjoyable match and the opening promo between Hunter and Shawn was by far the best moment of the show. The tag title match I will put in the middle, it was nether good nor bad just was, it furthered HBK vs Undertaker and set up Triple H vs Sheamus but was too short to make an impact. However the negatives of this show were once again glaringly obvious. The two MITB qualifying matches were a complete joke in their length and the way they were booked as total squashes, Zak Ryder has proven he can compete at a high level and deserves better, Santino, well is Santino so they should have had Swagger go against Masters or something. Anything involving the guest hosts was total crap and certainly not in keeping with WWE’s usual PG theme but I don’t care it still sucked and wasted what could have been wrestling time. God I was embarrassed to watch it and pissed off that I have stayed up all night to cover something which sucked so much. There were also so many promos and recap videos and skits that we got maybe twenty minutes wrestling maximum. Not good enough from WWE’s flagship show. When you get more wrestling in one hour of NXT than you do in two hours of RAW you know you have a problem… Hopefully Paul wont need cover again for some time as I really don’t want to be sitting through this crap every week. At least normally I can read Kendra’s results and pick out the bits of the show I want to watch but when I am reviewing it I watch it all and it certainly feels a LONG two hours.

You know what this RAW reminded me of, an old episode of WCW. Short pointless matches and long drawn out promos and videos. Don’t get me wrong some of the promos tonight were awesome, and I would say the Hunter and Shawn one is must see but one average match in a two hour wrestling show is appalling. I would hope that at least 50% of WWE’s viewing audience actually watch the show for the wrestling so vote with your feet next Monday and watch TNA and force Vince to up his game because I want to start enjoying my Monday night viewing again!

Match of Night was Orton vs DiBiase and the show scores a poor 5/10

I hope you have enjoyed my second WNW RAW review. I wish I could have been more positive but the in ring action tonight was only a slight improvement on last week! I hate being negative on WWE’s product but if they put on crap they will get a crap review. Ill be back later this week with a Roadrunner blog and then in a couple of week’s with Chris Reviews Smackdown. As always you can email me on a_agreement_called_forever@hotmail.com , add me on facebook: www.facebook.com\wnws.chris.jacks  or follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WNWsChrisJacks  I would love to hear from you!

Hey everyone and welcome to the first ever Chris Considers RAW. As I mentioned in my Smackdown blog it is my 25th birthday this coming weekend an I am away partying in Nottingham for much Jagermeister consumption (What would CM Punk think!) So Paul kindly agreed to swap shows with me and cover Smackdown this week. I figured this would be much better for you guys than a Smackdown blog the following Monday!

Now since Kendra does such a marvellous job with the play by play for RAW the format of this blog will be very different to the ECW/Smackdown blogs I have written in the past and instead of calling the match I will just mention the main points from each segment and analyse them which means it has taken 2 hours to put this together rather than the usual 5-6!

For Elimination Chamber thoughts check out my guest review blog with WNW regular Jason Velez. I don’t really have much else to discuss other than The undertaker pyro incident which from the sounds of things really pissed of the Deadman and rightly so. The Undertaker rarely makes mistakes and for something like this to happen live must have been hugely embarrassing and also rather scary and I can fully sympathise with Undertaker’s disgust the malfunction as the equipment should have been fully tested before use. The WWE pyro crew clearly didn’t buy their cable systems from Igus! (that’s the company I work for!) The fact so many reports, photos and videos have surfaced online today only increases that humiliation for Taker who always delivers and works his ass off for the company regardless of his ailing physical shape. I imagine flame pyro will be a thing of the past in WWE so look for Kane, Taker and MVP to have modified entrances from now on!

Ok lets talk some RAW!

We get highlights of Cena temporarily winning the belt at Wrestlemania only to lose it to Batista instants later, for my thoughts on this see my EC review!

I am instantly reminded why I dislike Michael Cole so much. Apparently tonights Guest Hosts are some rodeo riders and singers I have never heard of.

Opening Segment: Chris Jericho & Edge

Justin Roberts introduces the new World Heavyweight Champion and he comes to the ring suited up with a huge smile on his face. Jericho gets heat from the fans as he shouts he is going to Wrestlemania. Jericho talks about how he said he would never return to RAW after being attacked by Tyson even though he is the face of the WWE. Jericho says he changed his mind after he beat the Undertaker two times in a row and who else can claim that and as a result he is world heavyweight champion. Jericho repeats this a few times and Edge’s music hits and the crowd pop huge, Edge appears behind Jericho Spears him and announces that he is going to Wrestlemania against him. The fans go nuts and Jericho is pissed.

Chris Considers: As always solid promo from Jericho. From this monster pop it seems Edge will now be working as a full fledged babyface which is awesome! Somewhat predictable selection but this is a match we all want to see!

In Ring Segment: John Cena & Vince McMahon

Cena stomps out to the ring to a massive pop and grabs a mic, he looks pretty pissed. Cena says add him to the list of people Vince has screwed. He goes on about how he should be celebrating but he is mad as hell. Cena says he was champion last night and demands his rematch right now. Vince’s music hits and he struts out. Vince says he is all about business and admits making a deal with Batista to take out Bret and in return he got a title match whenever he wanted. Vince says it is not personal but just business and reminds Cena he told Batista to come get some and that’s just what he did. Cena says tonight he wants the damn thing back. Vince says Batista will not be defending until Wrestlemania and reminds Cena that Sheamus also deserves a rematch but who should get it. Vince tells Cena if he wins a match of Vince’s choice then he gets to face Batista at Wrestlemania if he loses Sheamus gets the rematch and Cena can watch the rematch from the locker room. Cena screams he will take it and demands to know his opponent, Vince tells him it is Batista. Cena looks dejected as we go to commercial.

Chris Considers: I much prefer the serious Cena than the suck up we see so often. This was a decent promo and I am sure we can already guess the way the match is going tonight!

Match 1: Divas’s Championship Match: Maryse vs Gail Kim

The match that should have happened at the pay per view last night is happening tonight on RAW. As I said in my predictions you cant make chicken salad out of chicken shit and this match was sloppy but not just from Maryse but also from Gail. I did like Gail countering Maryse’s finisher and bridging for the near fall. Maryse injured herself during the bout and Gail kept looking up as if she was expecting Maryse to do something. Maryse nailed her DDT after about four minutes for the win.

Result: Maryse defeats Gail Kim via pinfall to win the vacant divas championship ½*

Chris Considers: Sloppy, boring to watch and utterly killed the crowd. Maryse is not on the same level of Gail who had to work painfully slowly for Maryse to keep up. Maryse defiantly hurt herself and may have to immediately vacate the championship which would be ironic.

We see the guest hosts and they say there will be a diva bull riding contest tonight. Jillian comes in and does the awful singing. Most outdated gimmick ever! Jewel who is a female singer slaps Jillian and the face divas love it. Really useful use of three minutes.

We see Cody and Orton backstage and Cody says he knew Ted would betray him and the pipe was meant for Orton. Cody asks how Legacy can co exist tonight? Orton says he is at fault for what happened as he has taught Ted and Cody way too well and he has bullied them when things haven’t gone his way. Orton says he requested the match tonight to show they are on the same page. Orton says to tell Ted that he is sorry. Orton leaves and Ted arrives and asks how it went, Cody says almost two well and the two agree to keep to the plan

Chris Considers: It seems WWE are determined to turn Randy Orton babyface in this angle. I wasn’t expecting this and to be honest I cant see it working. Orton is like Jericho, a natural heel whereas someone like Edge or Triple H can work equally well as either.

Match 2: Kofi Kingston, Evan Bourne & Yoshi Tatsu vs Legacy

I noticed Kofi was selling the injuries from the Chamber match last night, whereas Orton was not. I guess Yoshi has signed with RAW now which means a year jobbing in the undercard like Evan Bourne. Evan Bourne looked good in this match and took it to Cody which was good to see although the match dedcended into Borune being worked over by Legacy until he made to hot tag to Kofi but Orton took him out whilst the referee was distracted and absolutely took him apart. Cody tagged himself in and Orton hit his through the ropes DDT on Cody and left the ring before Ted got in face and asked him what the hell he was doing and ate an RKO to a massive pop from the crowd. Bourne pinned Cody with the AirBourne and Ted and Cody seethed in the ring at Orton.

Result: Kofi Kingston, Evan Bourne & Yoshi Tatsu defeat Legacy via pinfall *1/4

Chris Considers: This match was really nothing special. The ring work from Ted and Legacy was solid but it was all over far too quickly for me to really get into the match. Yoshi played a less than impressive part considering this was his RAW debut which is not a good sign. The Legacy breakdown was well done but leaves me very confused as to where they are going with it. Did Orton just keep himself heel and turn DiBiase and Cody face? Guess we will have to tune in next week to see…

We get a really awesome video package of Shawn Michaels’ quest for a rematch with the Undertaker. This was so well done as it showed Shawn’s breakdown in quite a sympathetic light suggesting once again they he will be working against Taker as a face.

In Ring Segment: Shawn Michaels & The Undertaker

Shawn comes out to a mixed reaction from the fans. Shawn says he is not going to take up a lot of time because what he did was not complicated and he did what he had to do. Shawn says he understands what he did will not be popular and he can live with it. Shawn says he understands for every action there must be a reaction and he is not just hoping for a reaction from The Undertaker he is counting on it. The Undertaker’s music hits and he comes out clad in his Ministry of Darkness attire. The Undertaker looks really pissed as he glares at Shawn and tells him he now has his attention. Shawn says they had the greatest match in Wrestlemania history, some people say the best match ever and as flattering as that is he wrestled nearly a perfect match and made one mistake which cost him everything. Shawn says Undertaker should know that is something he cannot live with and Shawn begged him for a rematch and Taker ignored him which is why he cost Taker the World Heavyweight Championship and Shawn knows Taker is angry with him and he knows he wants revenge so face him at Wrestlemania and get the revenge. The Undertaker accepts and the crowd go nuts, Shawn goes to leave but Taker stops him and says on one condition, this year Shawn has to put up something as well, his soul. Undertaker says if Shawn beats him, he ends the streak but if Taker beats him Shawn’s career is over. Shawn says if he cant beat Undertaker at Wrestlemania he has no career.

Chris Considers: Awesome, just awesome segment that set up one of the most anticipated matches ever, and now with Shawn’s career on the line it adds so much. This was incredibly well booked and the fans just ate it up.

We learn that Wendi Richter will be the next HOF inductee, Cant help but feel someone like Trish is a little more deserving.

Match 3: MITB Qualifying Match: Christian vs Carlito

Christian has apparently signed on with RAW, big mistake in my opinion! Anyway I am glad to see MITB is staying at Wrestlemania despite having its own PPV. This was a quick match which Christian completely dominated hitting a few of his signature spots. Carlito fought back briefly with a swinging neck breaker and countered out of the Killswitch twice but Christian connected for the pinfall and victory on the third attempt

Result: Christian defeats Carlito to qualify for the MITB Ladder Match *1/2

Chris Considers: The wrestling so far has reminded me why I did not want to reiew RAW regularly. I am a WRESTLING fan above all else. There was nothing bad about this match but is was just too short to get into. Had this been on Smackdown or ECW it would have been given ten minutes at least. Both these guys are talented stars and deserve to actually be able to show what they can do in the ring. I think Christian would have been much better off on Smackdown and am disappointed he is moving to RAW as he will be lost in the shuffle.

Diva Bull Riding Segment with Jewel and Ty Murray and Show-Miz

The perfect example of what I was just talking about. Cut out this crap and pointless segment and Carlito and Christian could have had an awesome fifteen minute match. Apparently Jewel has sold 27 million albums and yet I have never heard of her. Divas ride fake rodeo bull and dont fall off, some don’t, who cares. Thankfully Show-Miz come out to save the segment and mock the competition and ask if that what the show has descended to. Ty Murray challenges Big Show to ride to the bull and mocks him saying he couldn’t do it better than the girls. Show struggles to climb on the bull which goes crazy quick for him and throws him off. Miz points out that is was much faster than for the divas and Ty Murray mocks him. Big Show flips out and punches the bull and Miz tells the hosts yet another guest host segment ending in disappointment just like the Colts in the Superbowl which gets HUGE heat. Jewel tells them that they will face The Worlds Strongest Tag Team for the titles next.

Chris Considers: The Miz on the mic was the only good thing here and what he said was spot on. Utter waste of time garbage, but I am sure you know by know what I like and what I don’t like in a Wrestling show so I was always going to hate this!

Match 4: Unified Tag Title Match: Show-Miz vs The Worlds Strongest Tag Team

We see Daniel Bryan watching the Miz backstage. As TWSTT make their way to the ring we get highlights of the hilarious Mark Henry KOOL AID SMASH! from Elimination Chamber. MVP took it to Miz early on until Show comes in but MVP takes it to Show only to eat a huge Spear. Show-Miz dominated MVP until both big men got in the ring, Henry hurt himself doing a splash and nailed The Miz with the World’s Strongest Slam but Big Show was the legal man and KOed Henry for the win

Result: Show-Miz defeat The Worlds Strongest Tag Team to retain The Unified Tag Team Championships *

Chris Considers: Their match last week was better, that was really just too quick and is a theme of this whole show. The ending was also really dumb. Mark Henry knew he had just been fighting Show and knew he was the legal man so why go for Miz? The wrestling tonight has just sucked, lets hope the main event delivers.

Main Event: John Cena vs Batista

Cena comes out to a good response from the fans whilst Batista gets plenty of heat. Batista sure looks daft with that hideous spinner belt! Michael Cole was trying to make it sound like John Cena had never main evented Wrestlemania before, idiot! Batista takes ages making his way to the ring and immediately ducks under the ropes before nailing Cena in the groin with a low blow getting disqualified. Justin Roberts announces Cena as the winner and all the kids cheer despite what was clearly about to happen. Batista beats the crap out of Cena after the match stomping and kicking away before going to leave but changing his mind and hurling Cena into the ring post. Batista continues to beat on Cena on the outside and slams him back first into the ring post before going to leave again whilst paramedics see to Cena. Batista grabs a chair and nails Cena with it, really cool spot with Batista pumping the floor with the chair waiting for Cena to try and get up and Batista just kept pelting him back down. For once Super Cena does not Hulk up and stays down as the fans boo the hell out of Batista.

Result: John Cena defeats Batista via Disqualification No Rating

Chris Considers: Absolutely criminal that this was the main event considering it was an instant DQ. However the post match beat down from Batista was pretty awesome and really helped continue this feud and the crowd absolutely HATED Batista which was exactly what was needed.

In a two hour wrestling show we got about fifteen minutes of wrestling in total. That is just unacceptable. I know this can sometimes happen on RAW, but John Cena and Triple H had nearly that time for one match last week. However there was some good booking going on here as all three major matches at Wrestlemania were made tonight which gives us a solid five weeks of build. Promo-wise I really liked the opening with Jericho and Edge as well as Cena and Vince but nothing came close to Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker, that was just awesome. I hated the stupid diva bull riding crap but at least the guest hosts didn’t dominate the show this week. So some excellent promos and good early build for Wrestlemania but wrestling wise the show needs to improve in the next five weeks or the Wrestlemania but rate will suck

There was no match of the night but the moment of the night was defiantly Shawn and The Undertaker’s promo. This week’s RAW scores a disappointing 6.5/10

I hope you have enjoyed my first ever RAW review. I wish I could have been more positive but the in ring action tonight was just not good, I hate being negative on WWE’s product but I have to call it like I see it. Ill be back later this week with a Roadrunner blog and then in a couple of week’s with Chris Reviews Smackdown. I shall defiantly be checking out WWE NXT tonight and am looking forward to what the show has to offer. As always you can email me on a_agreement_called_forever@hotmail.com , add me on facebook: www.facebook.com\wnws.chris.jacks  or follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WNWsChrisJacks  I would love to hear from you!

Hey everyone and welcome to another guest review blog for WWE PPV. This time it is yesterday’s Elimination Chamber and my guest this month is Jason Velez a regular contributor to the WNW comment boards and someone whose thoughts and input I always find interesting to read. The reason this is being posted a little later than I was hoping is that my original guest blogger had to back out due to work commitments but thankfully Jason, who I already wanted to bring in later in the year, kindly agreed to help me out!

My apologies I was unable to tweet out my live reactions. I kept trying with my phone and all I was getting was a message saying ‘unable to update tweet due to unknown server response’ which was incredibly frustrating as this is something I have come to really enjoy doing with recent PPVs. Guess this is the problem with all this fancy technology, sometimes it goes wrong! Hopefully I will be able to do this for Wrestlemania!

Hey gang! First things first – I’d like to thank Chris Jacks for providing me this opportunity to share my reactions, ratings and reviews of this past Sunday’s pay per view, The Elimination Chamber. Many of you may recognize my various blog responses under the name Galarian, or as of late, Jason V. (at least I hope you recognize me!) Quick introduction – I’ve been a wrestling fan for the better part of the last 26-27 years. Grew up a Hulkamaniac, witness the Monday Night Wars (often watched WCW and taped Raw), took a very brief break from wrestling after the WCW/ECW vs WWE storyline ended, and got hooked in again after Wrestlemania 20. I intended to apply for the Raw blogger position, however I am working on a pretty labor intensive Internet project involving video game reviews and was not able to commit to a sample blog. But that’s not why we’re here – we’re here to talk about WWE’s Elimination Chamber pay per view event, so without further ado, lets get this show on the road!

First off it is the all important WNW Blog Writers Challenege

*NOTE* Since Maryse vs Gail was changed completely and Miz vs MVP was only added to the card on the night, neither of these matches are being taken into account when calculating our scores.

1st: Chris 2:1 at Elimination Chamber 7:1 Overall
2nd Rob 2:1 at Elimination Chamber 6:2 Overall
3rd Kendra 2:1 at Elimination Chamber 4:4 Overall
4th Paul 2:1 at Elimination Chamber 4:4 Overall

Since we all had exactly the same picks, due to the somewhat predictable nature of the show it meant we were all guaranteed to be in the same positions following the show. None of us saw the swerve with Cena winning the Chamber only to immediately drop the belt but we all correctly picked Jericho and Drew to go over in their respective matches. I hope WWE stops drastically altering matches and making last minute additions to the card as it makes predictions somewhat of a nightmare!

Ok lets take a look at the matches

Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship: John Cena defeats Sheamus ©, Randy Orton, Triple H, Kofi Kingston, Ted DiBiase to become new WWE Champion

Chris Considers: This was an excellent opener that featured a lot of good work from everyone involved. I found it interesting that no eliminations took place until everyone was involved and I found this refreshing and different especially considering how the Smackdown Chamber match went down later in the night. The spot where Ted hit Orton and Cena with the lead pipe and then eliminated Orton was very cool and I cannot wait to see how this goes down on RAW. Kofi rliminating Ted was good news for him and I was pleased that Kofi had a very good showing in this match and was able to hit most of his high spots as going into it, you could have been forgiven for thinking he would be one of the first guys taken out. Sheamus eliminating Kofi was important as well to keep Sheamus looking strong in defeat and the fact Triple H was the one to eliminate him gets their feud going nicely. Something I really like about this match was that it didn’t just feel like a normal match inside a structure, it actually felt like the Chamber was put to good use, especially the spot where Orton did his awesome through the ropes DDT onto Triple H on the steel. John Cena winning was a huge shock but nothing compared to what happened afterwards. Now whilst this was an interesting swerve I have a big problem with the way this match ended and it is exactly the same problem I had with Triple H winning the title at the Elimination Chamber last year. Cena vs Batista was already a decent feud that was a co-Wrestlemania main event. It did not need the title to make the match a draw and in fact if anything the title will more than likely be a prop in the feud as the focus will be the intense rivalry between Cena and Batista. Also I wanted to see Edge vs Jericho actually headline the show and now sadly I do not think that is going to happen and the closing image of Wrestlemania will more than likely be John Cena standing tall having overcome the odds once again which is something that adult fans just do not want to see. Also Sheamus has been really starting to grow on me as champion and I think he had a really strong showing here and should a match with Triple H take place it will not be nearly as much of a draw as if it had been for the title whereas Cena vs Batista with or without Vince and Bret would have been huge anyway. However despite my disappointment at the ending it did not affect my overall feel of a very, very strong opener from WWE

Chris’ Star Rating: ****

Jason Judges: While it certainly wasn’t the best EC match in its near ten year history, I felt that it was a good watch, and it really let each superstar showcase their talents and gave them plenty of time to shine. Sheamus has really started to grow on me, and has started to show a bit more diversity in his move set, and it really does sound like the fans are starting to hate him. If anything, he held his own quite well with everyone else in the match. A shame they pulled the plug on his run, though thankfully, the WWE managed to construct three different story lines out of this EC match. Each superstar really used the cage to their advantage, something that hasn’t been done much the last few EC matches. The spot where Kofi’s head was through the cage, while DiBiase put on a Boston crab, really made me cringe. Cena winning the match the way he did really turned me off big time, but the swerve at the end made little sense, and sort of angered me more. Sure, it adds to the Cena/Batista feud, but what did Batista do to deserve a title shot? One more thing – John Cena NEEDS to get his back healed up. That gingerly looking toss of the top rope to the chamber floor that he took during the match, as well as many spots as of late, have looked incredibly sloppy. The spears he’s taken from Edge at the Rumble and Batista at EC looked so weak, especially on his landing. I’m not a fan of Cena (other than his generosity outside the ring) but I don’t want him to become seriously injured by not getting his back healed up and working through it.

Jason’s Star Rating: ***

Intercontinental Championship Match: Drew McIntyre © defeats Kane to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Chris Considers: I actually really enjoyed this match, although the crowd really struggled to buy into it. This featured some interesting mat wrestling and submission work which is certainly something you did not expect to see before hand and Drew and Kane put on an entertaining bout that was completely different to anything they had done before, which was important because otherwise this could have come across as just a glorified WWE TV match. This was a filler match for the PPV but it turned out to be a strong filler match and I think a lot better than most people were expecting. To the surprise of no one Drew retains his title and continues to follow through on his potential. I know some members of the IWC are fiercely critical of Drew, but I think besides the go home sequence, he wrestled a different style of match to one he has done before and I really like his dominant heel character that backs up his words with actions, Drew took much of the fight to Kane here and that is not something you see often when Kane is working as a babyface. I enjoyed the commentators putting over the fact that Drew is undefeated and has beaten all challengers and I feel he should hold the IC title for plenty of time to come and hopefully have a feud with a guy like Evan Bourne if he makes the switch to Smackdown.

Chris’ Star Rating: ***

Jason Judges: First off, hearing Drew’s entrance theme again, I really like it now. The match its self, surprisingly, was pretty entertaining. Pairing anyone with Kane will usually result in a good match that you can get into, and this title match was no different. One thing I’ve had a issues with concerning Drew McIntyre’s in ring work, was his stiff, somewhat lifeless striking game, but thankfully this title match didn’t feature much of this. Kane’s offense seemed a bit more versatile than usual, with early headlocks, and a really nice swinging neck breaker. In fact, with the numerous headlocks and arm bars early in the match between the two, it gave off that late 80’s/early 90’s style of wrestling, where it wasn’t all bouncing off ropes and crazy spots. Drew McIntyre and Kane managed to tell a story in their match, and that’s something you rarely feel anymore with the mainstream product as a whole. Although it’s been done a couple times previously, I did like the go home of the match, with the thumb in Kane’s eye while he was trying to pull off a chokeslam, followed by the Future Shock. Definitely Kane’s best outing in a long time, and managed to look strong in defeat, and Drew McIntyre continues to look like the legitimate future of the company. Just PLEASE don’t rush him to the top. He’s making the IC title feel nearly as important as it was during the days of Savage/Steamboat.

Jason’s Star Rating: ***1/2

Divas Championship Match: Maryse vs Gail Kim Divas Tag Team Match: Team LayCool defeat Maryse and Gail Kim

Chris Considers: Well I guess this just goes to show how much faith WWE had in Maryse and Gail putting on an entertaining match! Still this was just total garbage and besides Vickie Guerrero’s usual heat, this match killed the crowd. If they wanted to change this match they should have at least put some Smackdown divas who are over in the contest like Mickie and Maria but WWE seem resolute in their decision to push the Mean Girl-esque Team LayCool. I have a big problem with WWE changing this match on the night as not only it is a huge insult to the abilities of Gail (and to a lesser extent Maryse) but also a con for the fans who were looking forward to this. Maryse nailed Gail with her DDT after the match so maybe at some point in the next month or so they will probably FINALLY have their title match!

Chris Star Rating: ½*

Jason Judges: Before the match even starts, Vickie Guererro makes her way out, talks about how the Raw Divas have been saying disparaging things about the SD Divas. So what? Where did this come from? So now she changes the Divas title match into a Diva tag team match. I’m pretty sure Maryse/Gail Kim would have been a decent Divas match….or at least two extremely attractive Canadian beauties in a somewhat athletic display of some sort. But instead, we’re treated to Gail Kim, once again, carrying a match that she is featured in. There’s nothing memorable about the match. Not really a “standard Divas match”, but more of Gail Kim looking good while Maryse refuses to tag in match, leading to a Styles McClash and victory for the McCreeps. Almost a total throw away, if Maryse and Gail Kim weren’t so beautiful.

Jason’s Star Rating: ¼*

United States Championship Match: The Miz © with Big Show vs MVP with Mark Henry

Chris Considers: Just as last month this match is added to the card on the night on the show and once again I have a big problem with this. Guys like The Miz and MVP are the future of the company and at least deserve to have their matches promoted and advertised before hand. I though this was better than the match they had at The Royal Rumble and featured some really good work with both guys clearly hungry to impress. The spot where Miz countered out of a superplex attempt only to get nailed by that insanely quick belly to belly suplex from MVP sticks out in my mind as particularly memorable. This match also featured the perhaps intentional perhaps unintentional most hilarious moment I have seen in WWE in a long time when Mark Henry ended up charging through a ring side barrier Kool-Aid crash style. That spot had me laughing so much I was crying with laughter and completely missed the go home sequence the first time round where Big Show nailed MVP with the KO Punch whilst the referee was distracted allowing Miz to retain. They are clearly going to do something similar with Show-Miz to what they did with Jeri-Show and I think that is a good thing. I wouldn’t mind seeing this on the Wrestlemania card but actually properly advertised and promoted next time round as that is my only real complaint here

Chris’ Star Rating: ***

Jason Judges: After another awesome, but short Miz backstage promo, MVP says he has yet another PPV title match with the Miz. After that brilliant promo the two had during Raw weeks back, the feud just fizzled out, but is now alive again thanks mostly to the tag match last Monday between The Kool Aid Brigade and BigMiz. I can’t really complain though, when they consistently put on entertaining matches like they did at EC. These two have a great in ring chemistry with each other, and with each match they participate in with each other, they seem to pull out new moves and make each other look even better. The spot where MVP was trying to float over by using the top ropes, and the Miz catches his legs and pulls him down with a vicious gut buster, looked really good. As did the spot that featured the Miz perched on the top rope, and receiving a belly to belly by MVP, which reminded me a lot of a Kurt Angle spot. The Miz did get busted open the hard way, and by the miracle of all miracles, towel boy didn’t come in and ruin the ending of the match. Top to bottom, this impromptu match was not so much of a filler match, but a well performed title match that manages to suck you in and have you enjoy each second of it, with a go home that doesn’t make MVP’s loss look weak. This may shock some readers, but this is my match of the night selection. There were no points in the match that bore me or made me want the match to finish. A fun surprise for those that ordered the PPV.

Jason’s Star Rating: ***3/4

Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Title: Chris Jericho defeats The Undertaker ©, R-Truth, John Morrison, Rey Mysterio and CM Punk to become new World Heavyweight Champion

Chris Considers: WWE were banking on this match I think to sell the show and for me it certainly did that. As I mentioned earlier I liked how WWE used the eliminations in a completely different way here and had men go out early before the Undertaker got involved towards the end. CM Punk’s two promos here were absolutely flawless once more and he continues to show that he is right up there in contention with Chris Jericho for best heel in wrestling right now. Everyone in this match pulled their weight and I have to give major props to Rey Mysterio for pulling off some of the crazy spots and moves he did whilst working in such a banged up state. Whilst I think Rey should take time off to have surgery for the good of his health, you cannot help but admire his guts and determination to pull through and I think a match between him and Punk at Wrestlemania will tear the house down. R-Truth didn’t make the impact I was expecting him to but still looked good but is someway off the main event level yet in my opinion despite being incredibly over. John Morrison on the other hand looked every bit the main event talent and worked a phenomenal match. I really enjoyed the exchanges between Morrison and Undertaker and it is such a shame that Morrison is breaking into the main event as Undertaker and Shawn are heading into the twilights of their careers as feuds between Morrison and these two would just be off the charts. There was a moment in this match that was just priceless and that was when Jericho hid from Undertaker in the pod and this was just classic Jericho and once again had me in stitches. Shawn Michaels getting involved may have been a little predictable but I think the fans want to see Undertaker vs Shawn II so despite the predictable nature I think this was a great call. Putting Chris Jericho over was absolutely the correct decision in my opinion as he has been the most consistent performer in WWE for the best part of two years and more than anyone else on the roster deserves to main event Wrestlemania after having to endure the awful legends angle last year. This sets up the dream match between Edge and Jericho and if any match is going to top Undertaker vs Michaels you can be sure it will be this one. I cannot wait to hear Jericho’s cocky champion promo on Smackdown this Friday and am so excited to see the feud unfold. It is rare to see a multi man gimmick match booked perfectly but in my opinion this came pretty damn close and was right up there as one of the best Elimination Chamber matches I have ever seen!

Chris’ Star Rating: ****1/4

Jason Judges: This one was just slightly better than the Raw Chamber match, although there’s a couple of things I disagree with. R Truth being eliminated that fast was extremely disappointing, though that did lead to a second Straight Edge Society Sermon by CM Punk, who’s just flat out amazing on the mic. The second thing I didn’t like was Punk being eliminated soon after R Truth was. I felt that they both would have added a ton more to the match if they stayed in at least double the time they were in there for. As for the match its self, the Chamber spots were more entertaining than Raw’s spots. Punk throwing Mysterio into the chamber door like a dart was brutal, as well as when Punk had giant swung Mysterio into the cage twice. While the match ended up creating and progressing a few story-lines, I didn’t feel as if they let each of the stars shine like the Raw Chamber match. Morrison, Jericho and Undertaker ended up carrying this match, with some random Mysterio acrobatics thrown in. I’m glad Morrison was in the match though, cause I wasn’t too keen on seeing HBK take the spot. Jericho trying to lock himself in the chamber was just hilarious.I didn’t quite dig the ending, as I would have rather have seen HBK daze Undertaker with Sweet Chin Music and have Taker walk right into a Codebreaker, rather than Sweet Chin Music knocking Taker out, and Jericho confusingly take the pinfall win. Good chamber match that could have stole the show if a few things were changed up.

Jason’s Star Rating: ***1/2

To sum up I think WWE were banking on both Chamber matches to deliver and in my opinion they did so. I still do not like the ending of the WWE title match for the reasons I mentioned but I guess Vince felt that Batista deserved a last title run before either taking time off or retiring. As much as I hate matches being added to the card at the last minute the US title match was solid as was Drew vs Kane and the only let down of the night was the Diva match. This was a great PPV effort from WWE which really set the ball rolling for Wresltmania. I would recommend ordering the reply and buying the DVD as this was both a solid and newsworthy show

Chris’ Overall Star Rating For Elimination Chamber: ****

I want to thank Chris Jacks once again for giving me this opportunity. I had a great time putting it together and hope I can come back sometime down the line and do the same thing again. I hope you guys enjoyed my views and ratings of the Elimination Chamber PPV, and lets all be thankful that we didn’t witness anything life threatening when it came to the Undertaker’s pyro malfunction. That was a really scary scene that thankfully wasn’t worse than what it was.

Jason’s Overall Star Rating For Elimination Chamber: ***1/4

I shall be back later tonight with my RAW Review (I am away this coming weekend) I want to thank Jason again for stepping in at the last minute and providing such a thorough and well written review. I hope you all have a great week!

Chris: Hey everyone and welcome to the second fully loaded edition of the Fatal Four Way where the WNW blogging staff team up to bring you our WWE predictions. Lets hope I can continue my flawless streak of predictions with the second WWE pay per view offering of 2010!

Chris: In my opinion Elimination Chamber is a really crappy name for a pay per view. No Way Out sounds a whole lot better, and since it had become an Elimination Chamber pay per view anyway, the name change seems pretty pointless. I will discuss these gimmick pay per views further in this week’s Smackdown blog! Anyway looking at this card, there are only four matches slated so that screams for at least one, maybe two matches to be added during the course of the event. As I mentioned in my Rumble Review I think this is a terrible way of pushing talent and advertising an event but there you go. I fully expect the tag titles to be defended by Show-Miz, maybe against The Worlds Strongest Tag Team, as well as something to go down involving Batista seeing as he is not on the card. Whatever happens only the advertised matches will count towards the WNW blog writers challenge as how can we predict something we don’t even know is occurring! Enough chatter on with the predictions!

Paul: So here we are for the next edition of what in honour of the blunt obviousness of PPV names these days I am unofficially calling “Prediction Blog of the predictions for WWE PPV matches by four bloggers of the blog section of the wrestling news website Wrestling News World”, not quite as catchy but maybe someday it will roll off the tongue. This year No Way Out has been rechristened Elimination Chamber for well, the elimination chamber matches. I’ve generally thought the build wasn’t what it should be, but it hasn’t been too bad for a show that most people look past, as we get closer to Wrestlemania. It’ll be interesting to see some new faces in the main events, but I’m also wondering what they’ll fill the card out with, with only four matches announced on WWE.com, and also what part Shawn Michaels will play.

Kendra: I’m very much like Richard in that I’m not big on gimmick matches and the Elimination Chamber is very much a gimmick match. On the other hand, I give Eric Bischoff huge props for this lasting testimony to his brilliance and it’s one of the best gimmicks around. I have completely enjoyed every Elimination Chamber Match I’ve seen and am looking forward to this PPV. Maybe I can redeem myself by picking some winners!

Rob: The Fatal-Four Way is back at it again as we get ready for the final PPV before Wrestlemania, WWE Elimination Chamber. We’ve got elimination chambers with plenty of intrigue and possible surprises around them. Edge was the shocker last year by losing one title and gaining the other, so there is no telling what might go down this time around. The undercard isn’t exactly eye-popping, but it has the potential to deliver a couple of decent matches. Let’s get to it.

Chris Predicts: Intercontinental Championship Match: Drew McIntyre © vs Kane

Ever since John Morrison won the triple threat match to qualify for he Elimination Chamber, these two have been embroiled in a pretty decent TV feud and I think this match should make for a decent opener (although I wouldn’t be surprised to see them open with a Chamber match as they have done in previous years) Drew McIntyre is becoming one of the most dominant and aggressive heels in WWE and I think a big win over an established veteran like Kane will go a long way in getting Drew over as legitimate in the eyes of casual fans. I had hoped this would be a filler match at Wrestlemania to put both men on the card and that still might happen. Either way, there is no way in hell Kane is going over here as he does not need the Intercontinental Title at this stage in his career and Drew needs to keep his momentum rolling.

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Drew McIntyre (Retains Intercontinental Championship)

Paul Predicts: Intercontinental Championship Match: Drew McIntyre © vs Kane

The rematch nobody wanted to see, and I am not looking forward to this. The horrible double count out that was on TV and haunted house shows doesn’t fill me with anticipation either. I can’t see them taking the title off Drew especially not for someone like Kane. Kane has also historically been used as a difficult to beat monster that nobody can get past, that a young guy finally gets past, as a way to get the new blood over. I expect this to be the same, although with Wrestlemania around the corner and no Money in the Bank match for the mid card guys to go into, you never know, this feud MAY CONTINUE.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Drew McIntyre (Retains Intercontinental Championship)

Kendra Predicts Intercontinental Championship Match: Drew McIntyre © vs Kane

It’s nice to see Kane in a PPV match, but I highly doubt he’ll win. Drew hasn’t been IC Champ very long and Kane just hasn’t been pushed very hard lately. Personally I think Kane should be in the Elimination Chamber, but since the removal of his mask, he just hasn’t done as well with the WWE. I think this is horrible as Kane is one of my favorites and very entertaining in the ring and on mic, no matter his character – heel or face. While this match should be an enjoyment, I don’t see it being anything special as I believe it will won’t be booked as well as it could be.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Drew McIntyre (Retains Intercontinental Championship)

Rob Predicts: Intercontinental Championship Match: Drew McIntyre © vs Kane

This spot definitely could have been better filled up with either a tag title match or a U.S. title match, both of which have been built more thoroughly. MVP vs. Miz would definitely benefit from a planned PPV match, but instead we are given this IC title contest. I think we can guarantee an at least decent bout here given the fact that Kane is involved. He always works well in the ring and does his best to make his opponent look good. Drew has greatly matured during his feud with Morrison and that will continue into Sunday. I wouldn’t be surprised to see McIntyre get the clean pin over the Big Red Monster.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Drew McIntyre (Retains Intercontinental Title)

Chris Predicts: Divas Championship Match: Maryse vs Gail Kim

This match finally takes place after the injured Melina vacated the title nearly two months ago. Maryse showed plenty of promise and improved a huge amount when she was on Smackdown but since moving to RAW has failed to impress, and has been involved in some truly awful matches. Gail Kim is one of the best female workers in the world, but as the saying goes you cant make chicken salad out of chicken shit and I think this match is going to be a stinker and probably completely kill the crowd. We haven’t been given enough of a reason to care about either competitor and whilst this would be the perfect opportunity for WWE to put a woman that could actually wrestle over on PPV but if you look at the potential opponents for Gail (Katie Lea, Jillian and Maryse) or for Maryse (Eve, Kelly Kelly, The Bellas, Gail) it’s a pretty good indication of where this one is going. Plus Vince is reportedly very high on Maryse’s look and sadly in the world of WWE Women’s wrestling that is what counts.

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Maryse (New Divas Champion)

Paul Predicts: Divas Championship Match: Maryse vs Gail Kim

Well this is another match that will be awful. Maybe even comically bad in this case. Maryse can’t wrestle end of, and Gail Kim botches pretty much anything that moves. Aish. Anyway, I guess WWE really digs Maryse’s look and character (her character being pretty good I guess) she’ll get the title.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Maryse (New Divas Champion)

Kendra Predicts: Divas Championship Match: Maryse vs Gail Kim

This should be a decent match. Maryse has greatly improved in the ring over her time in WWE and Gail Kim is one of the best Divas in WWE. The problem is that I think WWE will go with what they think is beauty over the woman who can really throw a match. Personally I think Kim has everything needed to become Champion, but I don’t write for WWE. Sadly I feel Maryse will go over Gail Kim and feel Kim will again be buried in the middle of the Divas with no chance at gold.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Maryse (New Divas Champion)

Rob Predicts: Divas Championship Match: Maryse vs Gail Kim

It is about time that Gail is getting recognized in a serious championship feud. The whole insulting in French thinking doesn’t make this very intriguing, especially when King is just drooling all over her bilingual talents all the time. Gail had a nice divas match with Katie on Superstars, but unless Maryse has significantly improved in the ring, this PPV match will probably be of less quality. Unfortunately, I have the feeling Maryse will be taking the title, although she is not deserving of it. Hopefully I get proven wrong.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Maryse (New Diva’s Champion)

Chris Predicts: Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton vs John Cena vs Triple H vs Kofi Kingston vs Ted DiBiase

Looking at this match it is exciting to see some stars of the future having their first shot at the main event. I think Kofi and Ted will take their ring work to another level come Sunday night and I am looking for big performances from both of them. I think this match has been built pretty well on RAW, and I like how Sheamus is defiantly coming across as more dominant now (pity Randy still wouldn’t put him over cleanly) I think the biggest story of this match will be Ted eliminating Orton and the subsequent aftermath of this. Kofi will probably be taken out early on, if his recent showings are anything to go by, and as I mentioned Ted and Randy will take care of each other so that leaves Triple H, John Cena and Sheamus. I think what would work best here is for Sheamus to outsmart both men and let them tear each other apart and pick them off. Cena has his feud with Vince/Batista to attend to at Wrestlemania and whilst I fully expect to see Sheamus vs Triple H, I certainly hope the Irishman is still holding the belt come Mania. Sheamus has grown on me as a champion and taking the belt off him here serves no purpose whatsoever other than to give Triple H another landmark Elimination Chamber win. I also think having Sheamus pin both Cena and Triple H, however dirty the tactics, will go a long way to establishing him as legitimate in the eyes of the fans.

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Sheamus (Retains WWE Championship)

Paul Predicts: Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton vs John Cena vs Triple H vs Kofi Kingston vs Ted DiBiase

Now this one I do find interesting, as to who will walk out champion. Triple H has won here the last two years straight to go into Wrestlemania title matches, and he also doesn’t randomly need the title again at least for a couple of months yet (or perhaps to beat Sheamus). Randy Orton could be a possibility if they really want to get behind Ted DiBiase. I’m kind of ruling out Kofi as another filler guy. Cena is kind of possible but I don’t think they want to bring the title into his and Batista’s inevitable Mania match. I think Triple H doesn’t need the win here and can go onto challenge anyway. I think that Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase will either go into a three way with Cody Rhodes, or a three way with Sheamus, with Sheamus having the title, but what I most expect to happen is for Sheamus to get the shock win here and have Triple H beat him at Mania. Just because that young gun Triple H really needs this push to cement his spot.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Sheamus (Retains WWE Championship)

Kendra Predicts: Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton vs John Cena vs Triple H vs Kofi Kingston vs Ted DiBiase

I’m trilled to see Ted and Kofi in this Elimination Chamber. I feel both of them have great futures ahead of them, because of or in spite of Randy Orton. Honestly, both deserve to be main event talents and have been proving that over and over. Even in saying this, I don’t see either of them winning this match. I do see more problems arising between Ted and Orton, escalating the dissension in Legacy and hopefully leading to their feud. I also don’t see HHH or Cena winning this, but they should add some interesting flavor to the entire mix of seasoned and younger wrestlers in this match. In the end I see Sheamus winning and retaining in this match. It’s been predicted that he’d hold the strap going into WM and I don’t see any change in that plan on the horizon.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Sheamus (Retains WWE Championship)

Rob Predicts: Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton vs John Cena vs Triple H vs Kofi Kingston vs Ted DiBiase

If I were to pick one EC match that I am more looking forward to, this would not get that honor. The most interesting intertwined story in this chamber is that of the dissention between DiBiase and Orton. It is very difficult to see exactly where this storyline is going, but hopefully we get a much clearer picture after Sunday. I would love to see DiBiase eliminate Orton with a rollup or something, causing the Viper to be infuriated and take out his frustrations. Either way, I can’t see either of them winning the match. Don’t expect Kofi to last too far after getting ripped apart by Orton. Cena is embroiled with other issues at the time and he probably won’t win either. That leaves us with HHH and Sheamus. It seems at this point that creative is set on going into WM with Sheamus as the champ, but Trips’ ego could interfere with those plans. Nonetheless, I think Sheamus will retain, and I hope it isn’t in some sort of cheap fashion.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Sheamus (Retains WWE Championship)

Chris Predicts: Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Title: The Undertaker © vs R-Truth vs John Morrison vs Chris Jericho vs Rey Mysterio vs CM Punk

Something I forgot to mention in my WWE title pick was that I expect to see Edge on guest commentary for both chamber matches as whilst I do not think he will wrestle at the show, he will defiantly make his presence felt. The big story behind the excellent build up to this match is John Morrison’s kayfabe leg injury. In my mind we will get some sort of backstage skit where a doctor advises Morrison not to compete but he will try and gut it out only for Shawn Michaels to take him out on the way to the ring and force his way into the Chamber match (just as Edge did last year) Whilst this is a tough break for Morrison, it gives us the tantalising prospect of at least one Morrison vs HBK match on the next couple of weeks of WWE TV as well as setting up the big Undertaker vs HBK II clash at Wrestlemania. I think this match is going to be really awesome and probably worth the price of ordering on its own. I expect some big performances from Truth and Punk to make up for the banged up Rey and Taker whilst I think it is an impossibility for Chris Jericho to wrestle a bad match. I think Rey and Punk will take care of each other whilst Taker eliminates whichever of them is left standing and Truth before Michaels and Taker duke it our for ten minutes with Taker eliminating Shawn only to turn right into a Codebreaker from Jericho for the title winning pin. This is an exciting match up an I cannot wait to see how it goes down!

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho (New World Heavyweight Champion)

Paul Predicts: Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Title: The Undertaker © vs R-Truth vs John Morrison vs Chris Jericho vs Rey Mysterio vs CM Punk

This one is difficult to predict as with the alleged current plan, it seems like Jericho is the only option. However, there are two things to consider. Jericho, until he beat The Undertaker (which is admittedly a big deal) had no momentum, and it is also so obvious, that it probably wont happen, because WWE are dickheads and wont let it. The other option is (I’m ruling out R-Truth, John Morrison, CM Punk and Rey, because at this moment in time at least, they are not Wrestlemania champions) is Undertaker retaining, but I don’t see that happening, unless WWE is going to make Taker and Shawn keep going past Wrestlemania, with both allegedly wanting to take time off like they did last time. So I’m going to take a risk and not go for something not in the match like a Shawn win, and just plump for Chris Jericho.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho (New World Heavyweight Champion)

Kendra Predicts: Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Title: The Undertaker © vs R-Truth vs John Morrison vs Chris Jericho vs Rey Mysterio vs CM Punk

I also believe this Elimination Chamber has a nice mix of seasoned and younger wrestlers. Even though Morrison is not as injured at he announced on Twitter, I wonder if something is going to happen here with HBK. HBK has been trying so hard to get into this match, this could be an easy switch for him. I wouldn’t put it past HBK to either push Morrison for his slot in the match or force his way in somehow. I will be completely shocked if we don’t see HBK involved in some way. About the wrestlers who are actually slated to be in this match, I can’t wait to see how R-Truth fares in this match! I also hope Rey doesn’t push himself too hard and injure himself more. The same goes for Taker. I see Jericho, Punk and R-Truth carrying a lot of this match and in the end Jericho taking the win. If Taker and HBK are going for round two at WM and they’re grooming a Jericho and Edge feud, then this is a perfect way to start it off. Of course Edgewill want to go after the title and he’s raving mad at Jericho right now. It just makes the most sense. But then again, when have any of the wrestling companies booked matches in ways that make sense?

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho (New World Heavyweight Champion)

Rob Predicts: Elimination Chamber Match for the World Heavyweight Title: The Undertaker © vs R-Truth vs John Morrison vs Chris Jericho vs Rey Mysterio vs CM Punk

The number one issue we have to look at here is the condition of John Morrison. After what happened on the most recent edition of Smackdown, it is very possible that he might not participate in the title match. Also, as I write this there are only four scheduled matches on the card, and with Batista and HBK both absent, I predict that a match between the two to determine who will replace Morrison in the chamber. If that happens, I see HBK getting the nod as the replacement, making this group of six that much more interesting. Morrison won’t win, and we can count out Truth as well. Punk is a long shot considering his involvement with the Straight-Edge Society, and it would be tough to give it to Mysterio with his current condition. That brings us down to Undertaker, Jericho, and a possible HBK as a replacement. I feel like if Shawn were involved he would get so caught up in going after Taker that he would lose sight of winning the title. But that is all speculation considering he probably won’t even be in the match. If it comes down to Taker and Jericho, I think I would give it to Y2J. Michaels-Taker could be for real with the both of them taking time off afterwards, and Jericho-Edge is getting to be one of the hottest feuds going. I’ll give it to Jericho, making him a 6-time champ.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Chris Jericho (New World Heavyweight Champion)

Chris: That is all for another edition of the Fatal Four Way. Now before anyone says anything yes I know we all have exactly the same picks but on paper this PPV looks pretty easy to call so lets see if we are right. I should have my Elimination Chamber review up in the wee hours following the pay per view (as long as my guest blogger is able to write at that point) As always I sadly wont be able to be a part of the Live blog as I order the WWE webstream and trying to watch that and take part in a Live Blog on a 14” laptop screen is a visual nightmare. However non premium members can follow my live reactions on Twitter: www.twitter.com\WNWsChrisJacks I hope you all enjoy the show and have a great week!

Paul: Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to Shawn Michaels, and to see where we’re left going into Wrestlemania after this show. Hope you guys have a great whatever you’re doing, and until next time, I have been Paul Smith.

Kendra: It’s nice to see WWE elevating some of their younger wrestlers to main event status. They really need to prepare for post WM when a number of their old workers take time off or retire completely. This is a very exciting time in wrestling and WWE. We have not seen a turnover like this since The Rock, Austin, HHH and Angle pushed their way through to become main event talents. It will be interesting to see which of these younger wrestlers will be around for the long haul and these Elimination Chambers are a big step in the direction of these wrestlers becoming the starts they’re destined to be. I can’t wait to see how they fare in these dangerous matches.

Rob: We are officially one PPV and five weeks away from Wrestlemania, and the Elimination Chamber will go a long way into painting a clearer picture for what that will look like. Of course the Elimination Chamber does not look as intimidating without blood, but that’s the world we live in today. I’m looking for some quality matches this Sunday and some good storyline building for the grandest stage of them all. Later.

Hey everyone and welcome to this week’s edition of Chris Reviews Smackdown. In this week’s blog I discuss the end of ECW and NXT, TNA moving to Monday Nights, a little on WWE gimmick pay per views and of course anyalsye the show. Please feel free to leave some feedback via the comment board or fire over an email to a_agreement_called_forever@hotmail.com  

First off a bit of news on what is happening next week, it is my 25th Birthday next weekend and I am going away for Saturday and Sunday but I figured rather than write the Smackdown Review on the following Monday I would swap with Paul for the week so for the first time ever on WNW I will be reviewing RAW this coming week. After last week’s atrocity lets hope they give me something positive to write about! I am still hoping to get something up for TNA Against All Odds but I have been incredibly busy at work this week and haven’t had much time to write in the evenings at all. Anyway it is going to be cool reviewing RAW for a change and I look forward to the experience!

So ECW finally came to an end this past Tuesday night. I have mixed feelings about this because for me (with the exception of the Abraham Washington show) ECW always provided a good solid hour of wrestling featuring some of my favourite established stars like Christian and Regal as well as pushing exciting up and coming talent like Yoshi and Zak Ryder. Also if you consider what ECW did for the careers of Kofi, CM Punk, John Morrison, The Miz, Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger etc then you cannot help but appreciate the impact of WWE’s C brand over the past few years. Personally I would have scrapped the ECW name as the Extreme went out of ECW shortly after the Originals vs New Breed feud came to an end, but I defiantly would have kept the show on just under a different name. The idea of NXT sounds fairly cool but it is going to be a scripted reality show? And looking at the “pros” that have been selected I cant imagine guys like Matt Hardy, R-Truth or Carlito will come across as very realistic. I will defiantly be tuning in with interest come Tuesday to see what goes down. I especially like the pairing of The Miz and Brian Danielson as this is one partnership that I imagine will implode pretty quickly, Daneilson is vastly more experienced than the Miz when it comes to wrestling so I can only imagine the tentions between the pair reaching boiling point as the show progresses.

Ok so WWE has scrapped Survivor Series and taken MITB off Wrestlemania and given it a separate pay per view. I think both of these are HUGE mistakes from WWE. The reason the buy rate for Survivor Series last year was so poor was because the build up was ABSOLUTLY TERRIBLE! The entire main even was based around Hornswoggle! Now as it happened the triple threat match between Hunter, Shawn and Cena turned out to be one of WWE’s strongest matches of the year BUT without a good build and story no one will want to buy the match no matter who it features and this is proof of that! I am sad to see Survivor Series go as I really like the multi man elimination matches and feel they are a great way of showcasing rising talent like they did with Kofi, Sheamus, Drew and The Miz this year. I really hope WWE changes their mind on this and gets rid of a crap pay per view like Bragging Rights. Now as for MITB I think this is the worst possible decision WWE could have ever made. With the way WWE audiences are today, you need a mutli man spot fest to get the crowd hot early in the show. Whilst I, like many of the readers here would be more than happy to watch a thirty minute one on one match between two up and coming mid carders, a live audience, especially a kid heavy one, will struggle to buy into this live. MITB was perfect at Wrestlemania and with the current state of the tag division there is no way they can do something like a TLC match to fill the void. I think Show-Miz vs The Hart Dynasty vs Cryme Tyme vs Croft & Barreta would make a decent 4 way ladder match like at Armageddon a couple of years back but of all those stars mentioned only Show and Miz are in my opinion big enough names to make the Wrestlemania card. I was also hoping that one year someone held the briefcase for literally the whole year and cashed it in at the following Wrestlemania to become an instant main event star on the biggest stage of the year. Very, very poor decision from WWE and another one I hope they reverse. Also which causal fans are going to buy a pay per view built around up and coming mid card talent? Not very many…

So it is official TNA is moving to Monday nights. Smart move this from Hogan as I think it will really benefit the company and help create some competition for the somewhat stale WWE product. I will certainly be staying up and watching TNA as many weeks as possible but of course being based in the UK, me watching doesn’t affect the ratings one way or the other. If TNA could make Impact half as good as their pay per views they would have an awesome product. The problem is that Impact sucks so badly on a regular basis it is often hard to get behind the product and this is definitely something Hogan and Biscoff needs to address ASAP. Less backstage crap and promos and longer, not more, but longer matches and the product will rock. I am not going to spoilt it for anyone who hasn’t read Tim’s report but the main event for the debut Monday show? Seriously… This should be the time TNA show they are different and put something like an epic Wolfe vs Angle match or something and instead they give us… well just wait and see what they give us next week!

So with the discussion out of the way it is on to this week’s Smackdown!

Grisham and Striker welcome us to ringside and hype tonight’s main event between Edge and Batista, I smell interference, if the match even happens!

Opening Segment: Chris Jericho & Edge

Jericho comes out to plenty of heat and stalks to the ring in suited up. Chris stares out the crowd in disgust before saying he has made a career out of doing what none of the failure fans could ever hope to. Jericho says he has made an art form out accomplishing the impossible and stared down the barrel of insurmountable odds over and over and over again and yet he always comes out on top. Jericho says he did it when he beat the Rock and Austin in the same night to become the first undisputed champion, he did it again when he humiliated Shawn Michaels in the ladder match and last Friday Jericho did what so few have aver done and drove the Phenon to his knees and beat the Undertaker. Jericho shows some highlights from last week when he delivered the Codebreaker on The Undertaker for the win. Jericho goes off on how he beat The Undertaker and how he showed the Deadman is only a man. Jericho says if that wasn’t enough to cement his legendary legacy in the business, on Sunday he will enter the Elimination Chamber for the sixth time and become World Heavyweight Champion for the sixth time. Jericho says average people like the fans curl up and hide when faced with adversities and hide behind delusions of grandeur but Jericho doesn’t hide behind anything and he deals in reality and the reality is… ‘You Think You Know Me’ Edge’s music hits and he comes out to a massive pop from the fans and grins at Jericho in the ring. Edge smiles at the fans as he gets in the ring and grabs a mic before looking round at the applause and saying it is refreshing to know that Chris understands what a big deal it is to beat the Undertaker, Edge says he knows this as he has done it and it is like an elite club like a hole in one or winning the Stanley Cup. Edge says it is actually bigger than all those things and Jericho did it. Jericho says of course he did because he is the best in the world at what he does. Edge says that by saying that it highlights all that is wrong with Jericho and his clip did not show everything that happened last week. Edge reminds us that The Undertaker took him out unprovoked and Edge Speared the Undertaker for payback. Edge says make no mistake, he did not do that to help Jericho, he did it because The Undertaker kicked him in the face. Edge says the problem with Jericho is that he is not as good as he thinks he is and Edge doesn’t think Jericho would have beaten the Undertaker if he hadn’t Speared him first. Jericho tells Edge he should not be as concerned with the past as he is about the future as he is going to win the Elimination Chamber and when he does Edge should do himself a favour and stay away from Jericho because when he is around Edge bad things happen and if Edge continues to poke and prod and annoy him Jericho wont just beat him, he will hurt him. Edge says the more he hears Jericho’s voice repeating the same thing again and again buzzing around in his head, the more he wants to knock that self righteous, holier than thou look of his face for good. The fans pop and Jericho looks worried as Edge tells him he almost hopes he does win the Chamber so he can do just that. Edge gets in Jericho’s face and tells him Jericho shouldn’t be concerned about what Edge can do to him in the future he should be concerned about what Edge can do to him right now. The lights flicker and Edge uses the distraction to his benefit and Spears Jericho sending him rolling from the ring. Jericho shouts at Edge as he staggers up the ramp and Edge poses in the ring.

Chris Considers: Awesome opening segment here. These two have so much chemistry going against each other on the mic and I just cannot wait to see them face off in the ring. The fan responses Edge is getting each week pretty much guarantee WWE are going to have to pull the trigger and turn him full fledged babyface as opposed to this tweener role although personally I find his character so interesting as it is right now!

We recap Kane and Drew battling to a double countout last week and the subsequent exchange between the two after the match.

Match 1: Kane vs Dolph Ziggler.

Kane makes his way out to a nice pop as the Announcer’s hype up his IC title match with Drew at the Elimination Chamber pay per view. Dolph gets some heat as he strolls out to the ring. Dolph ducks under a strike and punches away but Kane slams him to the mat and rams him into the turnbuckle and connects some big elbows before hitting an overhead takeover and low drop kick for a near fall. Kane chokes Dolph on the ropes before picking him up and dropping him with a strike. Scoop slam from Kane followed by an elbow drop for another two count. Kane tries for a running clothesline in the corner but Dolph gets an elbow up and goes to work with strikes and kicks only to get dropped by a huge uppercut from Kane who pummels Dolph on the mat. Kane clotheslines Dolph over the ropes and stalks in the ring as we go to commercial. Back from the break and Dolph is working over Kane’s arm in the ring with a modified arm bar, Kane hits a nice counter and turns the move into a Sidewalk Slam and connects a charging clothesline in the corner before levelling Dolph with a big boot and heading to the top rope. Drew’s new music hits and Kane is completely distracted by his opponent and misses a top rope clothesline allowing Dolph to hop on his back and apply a sleeper hold. Kane falls to his knees as Dolph screams away. Kane powers to his feet and grabs the ropes and forces Dolph to break the hold and as Dolph tries for the move again Kane hurls him off and nails a Chokeslam for the pinfall and victory. After the match Drew storms the ring and tries to hit Future Shock on Kane who simply hurls Drew over his shoulders sending the Scotsman rolling from the ring, Kane poses to a big pop from the crowd as Drew retreats back up the ramp scowling.

Result: Kane defeats Dolph Ziggler via pinfall *

Chris Considers: I fully understand the need for Kane to look strong heading into the pay per view but Dolph is far too good to be used as an enhancement worker. This was basically a squash which is pretty ridiculous seeing as Dolph and Kane were having ten minute matches a few weeks back. This should have at least been booked as competitive to make Dolph look half decent.

Rey is backstage with Josh and says based on his experience the Elimination Chamber is brutal but no more brutal than his experience with Punk and The Straight Edge Society last week who gave him the beating of a lifetime. Rey says he will probably take a beating on Sunday but he will walk out as World Heavyweight Champion

We see highlights of Ezekiel Jackson defeating Christian on the last ever ECW and winning the ECW Championship. We learn that Ezekiel is making his way to Smackdown which I think will actually be pretty awesome!

Match 2: Cryme Tyme vs Croft & Barreta

Cryme Tyme come out to very little reaction compared to what they were getting a few months back, shows what happens when you get left off TV. Croft and Barreta come out to not very much of a reaction at all but I will be interested to see how they shape up against a real tag team. Croft and JTG start things out and lock up as Croft drops JTG with kicks and sends him out of the ring but JTG quickly slams Barreta off the apron and mocks him before dropping a shoulder and leaping over Croft in the ring and hitting a leaping elbow followed by a scoop slam and a blockbuster for an early one count. JTG kicks away and heads to the top rope but is distracted by Barreta and Croft crotches him sending him tumbling from the ring. Barreta is tagged in and he kicks and strikes away on the outside before hurling JTG back in the ring and pinning for a one count. Barreta whips JTG into the corner and hits a nice step up elbow before tagging in Croft who hits a nice standing dropkick for another one. Croft drops an elbow and tags in Barreta and they hit a double team scoop slam/elbow drop combo for a near fall. Barreta applies a headlock as Shad fires up the fans on the outside. JTG battles to his feet and tries to elbow Barreta off but gets slammed head first into the mat. Croft tagged in and he stomps away on JTG before pinning for another one count and making the quick tag back to Barreta who sets JTG up on the rope but JTG elbows free and rolls over Barreta and after his first attempt is blocked, is finally able to make the hot tag to Shad who cleans house on Barreta and drops Croft off the apron with a cheap shot before hitting a nice military press slam on Barreta but Croft breaks up the pin attempt. JTG tries to take Croft out but ends up getting sent through the ropes only for Shad to clothesline Croft over the ropes but this gives Barreta chance to hit a nice missile drop kick (although he slightly bothce the landing) Barreta goes for a tornado DDT but Shad counters into the STO for the pinfall and victory as Cryme Tyme pose to a pop in the ring.

Result: Cryme Tyme defeat Croft and Barreta via pinfall **

Chris Considers: I actually really enjoyed this match for what it was. I am not convinced on Croft but Trent Barreta is very impressive in the ring and despite their somewhat generic look I think this tag team would make a good addition to the Smackdown roster. It was also nice to see Shad pick up the big win for his team!

We see a beautiful video package for the legend that is Antonio Inoki as the second deserving member of this years hall of fame class. That match with Flair had the largest pro wrestling attendance EVER! And was one hell of a match that I fully recommend hunting down!

We see a video hyping WWE NXT which I am really looking forward to! But Brian Daniel? Seriously…

Backstage Interview: John Morrison

Josh plugs Morrison’s DVD before asking him how well he is walking. Morrison says he has been waiting for an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship for a long time, ever since standing in line at Tough Enough (nice to see that reference there!) to the day he got drafted to Smackdown, Morrison’s entire career has led him to Sunday and the Elimination Chamber. Morrison says if Josh or any member of the WWE Universe think a tweaked ankle is going to keep him out of the Chamber than they are dead wrong. Morrison says sometimes in life you only get one opportunity and this Sunday he will make the most out of his. Truth butts in and says that’s the truth. Truth sends Josh away and says Morrison can bet his Moonlight Drive that come Sunday Truth will take the WWE Universe it has never seen before. Truth says if becoming World Champion means going through Morrison then it is what it is, but tonight they face the Straight Edge Society and Truth wants to check they are on the same page. Morrison says they are like two peas in a pod and say tonight they will beat CM Punk and Lukey Luke and run down Jericho and his hair gel along with some rather bizarre ski references from Truth.

Chris Considers: This was a pretty good promo from Morrison before Truth got involved and then it all got a little too weird. I particularly liked the Tough Enough reference and it was a timely reminder that the show worked in a few instances.

In Ring Segment: The Straight Edge Society

The SES get plenty of heat on their way to ringside as we take a look back at Rey Mysterio getting savagely beaten last week. Punk has a mic and says he is a humble man but lets face it he is the greatest thing to ever happen to the fans and they know it. Punk says only the enlightened few can walk in his precious footsteps but whether they like it or hate it the fans are all a part of his crusade. Punk says those who chose to live in darkness and stand in his way, well he finds their lack of faith disturbing (awesome Star Wars quote there!) Punk says the fans confuse defiance with power and sacrifice their clarity with cheap thrills. Punk says just like the five stars locked in the Elimination Chamber with him this Sunday Punk will crush their spirit and break them and turn them upside down and pour what little heart they have onto the floor and fill the void with straight edge. Punk says they can all pretend they don’t have a problem but they are just lying to themselves, Punk says straight edge means he is better than the fans and he will prove it to each and every one of them this week just like he proved to Rey last week when he put him to sleep. Punk says throughout his existence he has fought in a way that the coward fans don’t have the courage to stand and fight, Punk is fuelled by a fire inside of him and this Sunday he will become four time straight edge world heavyweight champion and his crusade will be burning bright because all of the lost souls in the WWE Universe will have a savior and his name will be CM Punk

Chris Considers: Phenomenal promo from Punk, you can tell they are just letting him run with it now as he is coming up with different material each and every week. Punk is on a whole other level right now to the majority of the roster and the Straight Edge Society are the best heel faction since Evolution.

Match 3: The Straight Edge Society vs John Morrison & R-Truth

Morrison gets a nice pop on his way to the ring and hands his glasses to a kid at ringside. Truth is also over and we see some teenage girls popping along to his song. Morrison insists to Truth that his leg is fine and starts off the match with Punk who immediately goes for the leg but Morrison applies a waist lock and nails an overhead takeover and grounds Punk into the mat. Truth is tagged in and we get a double team gut buster which Truth follows up with an overhead takeover and keeps the hold locked on and continues to grind Punk down. Punk powers to his feet and counters out with a back suplex before tagging in Luke who tries a scoop slam but Truth rolls over him and strikes away before hitting a nice top rope crossbody for a near fall. At this point a whole punch of flames and pyro go off on the ramp as we go to commercial. Back from the break and Punk has a bow and arrow submission hold locked on Truth which he breaks to drop some elbows before kicking away and nailing a scoop slam. Punk drops a knee and tags in Luke who hits some big strikes in corner as Morrison fires up the fans only to get dropped off the apron by a cheap shot from Luke who then drills Truth with a big boot for a near fall. Big suplex from Luke earns a near fall and he tags in Punk who strikes away and hits elbows to Truth’s back but Truth fights back with strikes only to get laid out by a huge roundhouse from Punk who tags in Luke to drop elbows on Truth’s back. Luke hits some seated strikes before bouncing him into the turnbuckle and connecting a scoop slam. Punk is tagged in and he tries for a springboard crossbody which Truth counters with a nice drop kick to the ribs. Truth makes the hot tag and Morrison cleans house on Punk with clotheslines a leg lariat and a running knee for a near fall. Morrison drills Luke with the Flying Chuck sending him crashing to the outside and immediately ducks under a charging Punk who spears the ringpost. Morrison goes for a big roundhouse kick but Punk ducks and Morrison boots the ring post and rolls around in agony as Punk immediately targets the injured leg. The referee calls for the bell but Punk continues to beat on Morrison’s leg only for Truth to charge in and drop Punk. Serena protects Punk and Luke strikes from behind and obliterates Truth with the Gallows Pole as Punk gets to his feet. Rey hits the ring to make the save and nails Punk with a Seated Senton and goes after Luke with strikes and kicks only to turn into a big clothesline from Punk who proceeds to beat the hell out of Rey on the mat. Punk signals to Luke who nails a back breaker on Rey as Punk heads to the top rope and connects a knee drop. Punk drags Rey back into the centre of the ring and The Straight Edge Society stand tall over the fallen bodies of Truth and Rey

Result: The Straight Edge Society vs John Morrison & R-Truth Ends In A No Contest After An Injury **

Chris Considers: Very strong but short match here with Morrison continuing to work the injury angle which leads me to believe he will be replaced by Shawn Michaels on Sunday. The post match beatdown from the Straight Edge Society was awesome and they just get better and better each and every time they are on TV. I cannot wait to see interactions between Punk and Rey in the Elimination Chamber.

Teddy Long is backstage laughing at footage of Vickie getting covered in cottage cheese. Vickie asks if he thinks its funny, and Long says no she doesn’t need any more cottage cheese. Vickie asks him how his chin is and she wishes Shawn left a boot print. Long said he is taking action against Shawn Michaels. Mickie shows up and apologies to Vickie for embarrassing her last week as she knows how it feels. Vickie says she is sorry as Michelle McCool has invoked her rematch clause next week and we will see how sorry Mickie really is with the special guest referee: Vickie!

Match 4: Matt Hardy, The Great Khali & Maria vs The Hart Dynasty

Matt doesn’t even get his own music this week and instead he and Maria have to dance (if you can call it that) along with Khali. Natalya and Maria start things out and Natalya immediately nails Maria with a power slam and talks some smack before stomping on Maria’s head. Natalya applies a headlock but Maria punches free and nails a boot to the face before sending Natlayla into the ropes and hitting a butt drop. Natalya tags in Tyson and as Matt sees Maria out of the ring Tyson takes advantage with strikes but Matt comes back with a big sidewalk slam for a near fall and strikes away at Tyson in the corner. Awesome sit down powerbomb from Matt earns another near fall but Tyson is able to tag in Smith who hits a brutal neck breaker for a once count and tags in Tyson and we get a drop toe hold/ drop kick doubke team combo. Smith tagged back in and a very impressive double team vertical hold followed by a huge powerslam from Smith earns another near fall. Smith strikes away and applies a headlock and grinds Matt into the canvas but Matt powers to his feet and strikes away and connects the Side Effect but Smith prevents Matt from making the hot tag and shoves him out of the ring. Maria tags Matt on his tumble to the outside but doesn’t seem to know what is going on and Natayla hurls her into the ring and hits a tornado clothesline for the pinfall and victory. Maria is furious with herself after the match and storms off.

Result: The Hart Dynasty defeat The Great Khali, Matt Hardy & Maria via pinfall *1/2

Chris Considers: Very quick match once again but hey at least Khali didn’t even tag in this time! The teamwork of the Hart Dynasty was impressive but this match was not long enough to really make much of an impression. The post match storm off from Maria suggests her relationship with Matt may be over before it has even started.

We get a pretty awesome long video package for the Elimination Chamber that realy put a lot of focus on the pay per view, good stuff!

We see Matt and Maria backstage. Maria tells Matt it is one thing to lose by herself which she has done a million times, but another to lose with everyone else and with people she cares about. Matt says enough of the losing nonsense, he has won matches and lost matches but it doesn’t change the person you are inside, Matt says no one is perfect but when he looks at her face he sees something very close to perfect and goes to kiss her but Michelle and Layla break it up and tell them to get a room and mock Matt and Maria for being losers in love and in matches. They call Maria loose lips and say she has cooties (what the hell is that!?!?) Maria storms off and Matt calls them children and tells them to grow up before running after Maria.

Chris Considers: Ok maybe the relationship isn’t over yet then… if anyone wants to tell me what cooties is ill be very grateful!

Main Event: Batista vs Edge

Batista comes out to heat and dressed to wrestle so looks like this match might actually be going ahead. The animal does his Steiner-esque muscle pumps again as we go to commercial. Back from the break we see highlights of Batista talking down to Cena on RAW last Monday. Edge gets a massive pop and comes out sporting a cool new T-shirt. Batista looks amused as Edge looks psyched. Batista holds the rope and signals for the referee to call Edge off. Batista ducks under the ropes and just refuses to fight and the crowd boo the hell out of it. Batista waves at Edge and leaves the ring and the referee starts to count him out. Edge tells the ref to stop and grabs a mic. He yells at Batista he understands he might not want to take part in a match with him but Edge’s days of backing away from fights are over. Edge says maybe Cena was right and Batista really is spineless but Edge is calling his punk card and tells Batista to get back in the ring. Batista looks pretty pissed and storms back to the ring as Edge fires up. The two lock up and Batista strikes away at Edge and whips him into the turnbuckle but Edge gets an elbow up and strikes away and hits a roundhouse kick dropping Batista to the mat. Edge calls for the Spear but Batista bails to the outside as we go to commercial. Back from the break and Batista drops Edge with a chop block before hammering him into the turnbuckle and whipping him into the ring post. Batista talks smack and goes to the outside and starts hurling the steel steps around before go going for the Batista Bomb on the steps but Edge counters with a back drop to a pop from the fans. Edge runs along the apron and hits a diving clothesline dropping both men before whipping Batista back in the ring but the Animal kicks him as he climbs back into the ring. Batista tries for a running powerslam but Edge counters with the Edge-omatic for a near fall. Edge calls for the Spear but runs straight into a spinebuster frm Batista earning a nearfall. Batista stomps and signals for the Batista Bomb but Edge counters with an Edge-ecution for a near fall. Edge heads to the top rope but Batista crotches him and calls for a Spear of his own but Edge reverses it and connects his own Spear. At this point the Undertaker’s gong hits and the lights go out. When they come back on The Undertaker chokeslams Edge and Batista flees the ring. The lights go blue and Edge is left prone in the ring as the Undertaker poses at the top of the ramp and as Edge makes his way to his feet Jericho leaps from the crowd and nails him with a Codebreaker and stares down The Undertaker at the top of the ramp sending Smackdown off the air.

Result: Edge defeats Batista via disqualification ***

Chris Considers: I enjoyed this match, especially when Edge enraged Batista to the point he came back to the ring. I have always been a huge Edge fan and being able to see him work as a babyface again should be a real treat as it has been some five years (Cyber Sunday 2005 if my memory serves) since he last worked in that role. The Undertaker decking Edge was I guess payback for last week but something tells me an uneasy alliance may be formed between these two after Sunday night!

This edition of Smackdown was very, very good at building Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay per view. Since WWE is banking on the two chamber matches to sell the show, the build needed to be good and I think it has. We heard from all the challengers during the night and Striker and Grisham worked hard selling the event and I hope it works as I think the Smackdown Chamber is going to be awesome. In addition the Kane vs Drew match was built up although I did not care for his match with Dolph Ziggler at all. Wrestling wise we did have some solid in ring action in the shape of Edge vs Batista and Cryme Tyme vs Croft and Barreta whilst the SES vs Truth and Morrison and the subsequent beat down was solid as well.

This week’s match of the night was Edge vs Batista and the show scores a good 8/10

That is all for this week’s edition of Chris Reviews Smackdown. I will be back as soon as I have received all the picks with the Fatal Four Way blog and then early in the hours of Sunday morning with my Elimination Chamber review. I hope you all have a great week! As always you can email me on a_agreement_called_forever@hotmail.com , add me on facebook: www.facebook.com\wnws.chris.jacks  or follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WNWsChrisJacks  I would love to hear from you!

Here are ten points to consider coming out of this week’s Smackdown!
• What a great opening segment from Jericho and Edge, it seems pretty predictable that these two will be facing off at Wrestlemania but when it is something new and fresh and with as much energy as this, I don’t mind how predictable it is!
• I feel sorry for Dolph being jobbed out here considering he is a guy who should be challenging for the Intercontinental Championship rather than being used as enhancement.
• I think the feud between Drew and Kane is a good one and would be more than happy to see it run all the way to Wrestlemania.
• Trent Barreta really impressed me in the tag match. I would be happy to see the Dudebusters join the Smackdown roster as I think it will help their development working against established teams like Cryme Tyme and The Harts.
• You can tell Smackdown creative are just letting Punk run with it now as he is coming up with different material each and every week, that was one hell of a promo!
• I am liking the John Morrison injury angle and fully expect it to lead to Michaels taking advantage come Sunday Night. I do not think this will lead to a heel turn from Morrison, Smackdown is heel heavy enough as it is, I just think they are trying their best to make a kayfabe injury look as legit as possible.
• Another week, another match which Khali has no involvement in whatsoever! They should just switch him to RAW and have him do the Kiss Cam every week on there. He is wasting other people ‘s opportunities on Smackdown especially when he does NOTHING!
• It was great to see Edge work his match as an out and out babyface. The crowd were in to him and loved it when he called Batista back to the ring. It also meant he got to use moves like the Edge-Omatic and Edge-ecution which he used infrequently as a heel.
• The only thing I question is if they are going ahead with Edge as a babyface having him and The Undertaker slug it out week after week isn’t going to work so well because Undertaker is more over than Edge and the crowd popped big time when he Chokeslammed him
• Nice to see Jericho ending the show standing tall. He is my pick for the Elimination Chamber for sure!

Due to the piss poor undercard of the Royal Rumble, the top ten matches of the year is still at this point on hold!

Smackdown Power 10

1: The Undertaker
2: Edge
3: Chris Jericho
4: Rey Mysterio
5: R-Truth
6: John Morrison
7: CM Punk
8: Drew McIntyre
9: Kane (+1)
10: Batista(-1)

Watch any WWE programming you miss at www.Dailymotion.com , your online source for TV shows

What a wonderful way to spend Valentine’s night than to tune into a TNA PPV? Yeah, that’s what I was thinking too! I think TNA screwed up scheduling Against All Odds pretty badly. I know they try to go once a month and can’t do it the same night as WWE, but I think scheduling a PPV for February 14th is almost as bad as scheduling on for January 1st. It’s a night many people want to spend with the one they love and very few women would think a romantic evening with her man is watching wrestling. Though I have to admit I’m the one who brought my boyfriend into wrestling and we’ve had a number of date nights that were spent going to wrestling shows, even early in our relationship. But I think TNA actually stacked the deck with some pretty decent matches for AAO. I’m really looking forward cuddling on the sofa with my Valentine and watching Against All Odds.

Just to let everyone know where Chris and I are sitting with our E.A.X. Predictions, which are totally separate from the WWE Talent Exchange numbers. Chris is ahead of me at this point, but hopefully I’ll be able to even it up with AAO!
Ken - 6-3
Chris - 7-2

Hey everyone and welcome to the second edition of the English American Exchange where Kendra and I team up to bring you our monthly TNA predictions. This month it’s Against All Odds which is built completely around the 8 Stud Challenge tournament, which is not at all a rip off of WWE’s King of The Ring, real original Hogan! However with the exception of Mick Foley, all the other participants in this match can really go in the ring and I am expecting some fabulous match ups. This tournament is of course a nightmare to predict as one wrong prediction will throw the rest off! However we do unfortunately have to sit through the Nasty Boys on pay per view, well I do since I will be reviewing the show, everyone else will probably use it as a bar break! It sucks that we have a TNA pay per view missing names like Daniels, Lethal Consequences, Beer Money and the entire X-Division but this show has almost been built entirely around the tournament and thanks to the guys involved is sure to be a hell of a lot better than TNA’s last attempt at a tournament: Deuces Are Wild! Anyway enough babble on with the predictions!

Ken Predicts – Team 3D: Brother Ray & Brother Devon vs The Nasty Boys: Jerry Sags & Brian Knobbs

I’m absolutely disgusted with this match. There’s no reason The Nasty Boys should be in the ring after all these years. I know I keep complaining about nepotism, but it’s been so obviously running rampant since Hogan and Bischoff came into TNA. The Nasty Boys are old, fat and out of shape. Knobbs couldn’t keep his breath when he was yelling at Team 3D recently, how’s he going to handle a match? And Sags isn’t in any better shape! I know some people think Ray and Devon are old, fat and out of shape, but they’re in the ring, week in and week out. These two men might be on the heavier side, but they wrestle hard and do so all over the word every week over the year. They’re loved in Japan because they can throw a match with the best of them. The Nasty Boys have barely been in the ring since they had problems with Hall and Nash in WCW in early 1997. Actually, they didn’t wrestle together again until 2007 and only sporadically since then! But I feel that Hogan is going to book them to win this match. There’s no reason they should be wrestling, never mind winning, but I have the horrible feeling that they’re going to pull it out at AAO. Clean finish? I hope not. Actually, the way The Nasty Boys have been going it’s bound to be a dirty finish.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – The Nasty Boys: Jerry Sags & Brian Knobbs

Chris Predicts: Team 3D vs The Nasty Boys

You have to love how the official TNA website is hyping this match “Two legendary tag teams collide when Team 3D faces The Nasty Boys” Team 3D are legendary, The Nasty Boys not so much. Lets face it this match is going to suck big time. I still remember Kendra’s hilarious comment a couple of weeks ago when she said her boyfriend was worried The Nasty Boys were going to have a heart attack in the ring! That had me in stitches. I fully imagine the Impact Zone are going to shit all over this and rightly so. If I were attending this event I would bring a sign saying “If The Nasty Boys Win, We Riot” Hopefully this will be the last time we ever have to witness Knobbs and Sags stumbling around the ring! I imagine Devon and Ray will make short work of them and hopefully 3D them through a table, supposing they can get their overweight, out of shape asses in the air in the first place!
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Team 3D

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Quarter Final – The Pope vs Desmond Wolfe

This should be one of the matches of the night. We’ve seen these two in the ring together before. Specifically on January 4th, they about tore the house down. I expect that much or even more as this is a PPV. Honestly, I’d love to see a feud between these two. Much better than watching The Pope having to slow his pace down so Orlando Jordan can keep up with him, ugh. While I would love to see The Pope get the push he deserves, I think Wolfe is going to come out the victor. He’s been on top longer and been pushed harder recently. I can only hope The Pope’s push comes along soon as he truly deserves it.
Ken’s predicted Winner – Desmond Wolfe

Chris Predicts: 8 Card Stud Quarter Final: The Pope vs Desmond Wolfe

I am really glad these two have been placed together in a quarter final match. With one win a piece this is the unofficial rubber match in this mini feud and if their encounter at Genesis was anything to go by, could well steal the show. Desmond Wolfe is one of the brightest stars in TNA and should be pushing into the main event by the end of the year. Looking at the semi final layout I am going to have to give this one to Wolfe as I think another wrestling masterclass with Angle in the semi finals is something TNA will be banking on to sell this pay per view.
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Desmond Wolfe

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Quarter Final – Hernandez vs Matt Morgan

This is another match that should be off the hook and really making me chomp at the bit for AAO. This past week we saw Hernandez acting more the heel than usual when he tagged with Wolfe. Makes me wonder where they’re going with his character. Right now I really hope they won’t break up Hernandez and Morgan as they’re quite a formidable team, but I’m getting the feeling they won’t last. The thing is both of them deserve to be main event singles competitors. Either could easily be pushed through as the winner of this match as both have been receiving pushes recently, but something tells me Hernandez is going to win this one. I got that feeling while watching him tag with Wolfe this week. I just felt like we’d be seeing them facing off at the PPV. The other question with this match is will the team come out unscathed. I think they will, but a rift might grow soon.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – Hernandez

Chris Predicts: 8 Card Stud Quarter Final: Hernandez vs Matt Morgan

Putting the tag champs in a match against each other is sure to lead to some dissension and certainly tease a break up. Arguably either of these guys could win the whole thing and make a worthy challenger for AJ. Hernandez came over as quite heelish this past Thursday on Impact so I think he may do the dirty on Morgan and steal the win here, especially seeing as who I am expecting him to face in the semi final. This should be a very solid big man match and I am looking forward to it. Of course since TNA love to copy WWE booking so much, they could always have something dumb like a double count out here and give the winner of the Abyss vs Foley match a bye into the final. In fact the more I think about it, the more that seems likely to happen but the fans will hate that and so would I do for arguments sake I am predicting a winner and it is Hernandez.
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Hernandez

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Quarter Final – Kurt Angle vs Mr Anderson

I’m a little bummed about this match as Anderson hasn’t looked as good in the ring as I expected since he came to TNA. He has two of the three things needed to make a great wrestler, great mic skills and a good look, but his ring skills seem to be lacking more than I thought. Maybe he just has some ring rust he needs to work through, or some nervousness holding him back for some reason, but he’s just not cutting it for me in the ring. Luckily he’s in the ring with Angle who can carry about anyone. So while I’m not expecting fabulous, it should be solid and of course Angle will come out on top.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – Kurt Angle

Chris’ Predicts: 8 Card Stud Quarter Final: Kurt Angle vs Mr Anderson

Lets just hope that Anderson has a better outing than he did against Abyss last month! His mic work so far has been off the charts on Impact! and if he delivers here in the ring I think we could be in for quite a treat of a match. I see only one real winner here and that is Kurt Angle. As much as TNA are pushing Anderson , they will be well aware of the potential of an Angle vs Wolfe semi final and that is just too much of an opportunity to pass up on!
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Kurt Angle

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Quarter Final – Abyss vs Mick Foley

This match will probably be another let down of the night. Foley out of flannel and if he hands the match to Abyss, then Abyss will have his mask removed at the next Impact. I have heard that Bisch does not like masks. He was the one who pushed Rey to lose his mask in WCW because he feels fans can’t read the wrestler’s face if they’re wearing a mask, they don’t get enough from the wrestler during the match. I completely disagree with this theory and think that Abyss needs to keep his mask, but I think Bisch is going to try to accuse Foley of something and try to remove Abyss’ mask. So while I don’t think Foley is going to lay down for Abyss, I think it will look like Foley’s going easy on him so Abyss can get the win.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – Abyss

Chris Predicts: 8 Card Stud Quarter Final: Abyss vs Mick Foley

The only quarter final match that I have no desire to see whatsoever! These two had an enjoyable hardcore brawl at Bound For Glory but a straight up wrestling match between these two just wont work thanks to Foley’s questionable in ring abilities. Considering the storyline behind this I wouldn’t be surprised to see Foley throw this match to further his feud with Bischoff. Make no mistake Abyss is going through.
Chris’ Precited Winner: Abyss

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Semi Final – Desmond Wolfe vs Hernandez

Chris and I saw the 8 Card Stud chart in different ways and have predicted it a little differently, so please bear with us. I saw the chart as vertical while he saw it as horizontal. Anyway, a match between Wolfe and Hernandez could be really kick butt! Hernandez is a rising star and Wolfe is a main event man. I was surprised they got along as well as they did tagging together on this past Impact, but also saw them facing off at AAO. This is another match I’d love to see and am looking forward to happening. While Hernandez is a rising star, I don’t see him going over Wolfe yet.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – Desmond Wolfe

Chris Predicts: 8 Card Stud Semi Final: Desmond Wolfe vs Kurt Angle

This match should happen, I am ordering this pay per view (as long as the online TNA thing is working for UK customers this time!) based on the potential of seeing this two put on another clinic. This could really be something special and I hope TNA goes with this route. Wolfe and Angle have perfect chemistry together in the ring and both matches they had last year were MOTY candidates. Now I see Wolfe going over here but only because either Mr Anderson will seek revenge on Kurt for eliminating him earlier or he will be ambushed by Syxx Pac and Hall. Whilst I hate overbooking, having Anderson cost Angle the win would set up a nice feud between the two of them that would keep Angle out of the title picture for awhile as well as giving Wolfe a victory over his hated rival.
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Desmond Wolfe

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Semi Final – Kurt Angle vs Abyss

I think this will be a fairly short match, for a number of reasons. First off, Angle and Abyss in a match together is not overly thrilling. Secondly, Angle has spoken recently about taking it easier in his career and this is a lot of wrestling for one match. Third, Abyss just hasn’t been getting a push lately and I can see Angle beating him rather quickly. Fourth, I can see The Band trying to get involved and either a DQ or just a quick ending because of this.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – Kurt Angle

Chris Predicts: 8 Card Stud Semi Final: Hernandez vs Abyss

Just like I am predicting interference in the other semi final, I am predicting some here as well, especially if Hernandez overcomes Morgan in a less than sportsman like fashion. If Super Mex screws Morgan then expect him to come out an exact some vengeance. I really like the idea of these two going at it, remember Abyss vs Angle a couple of years ago? Awesome match! Chris Parks is so much more than this hardcore stereotype Russo continually books him as and hopefully this will be the start of something big for The Monster.
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Abyss

Ken Predicts – 8 Card Stud Final – Desmond Wolfe vs Kurt Angle

I know we’ve seen these two in the ring a number of times, but they deliver! If this match actually comes to fruition at AAO, it will be another that’s off the hook great. They’ve proven in the past which is why I think they’re going to be facing off again. But who will win? Angle has been told over and over that each chance will be his last against Styles, but he keeps getting shots. Then there’s Wolfe who hasn’t had a shot against Styles yet. As I think there’s going to be happenings between Angle and The Band (please no tag matches when Hogan sides with Angle), I believe this match will go to Wolfe.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – Desmond Wolfe

Chris Predicts: 8 Card Stud Final: Desmond Wolfe vs Abyss

And this will be the match where Abyss reminds us just how much of a solid in ring worker he can be. By placing him against one of the best in the world in Wolfe it will allow Abyss to really show what he is capable of. Now I think Abyss is going over and will be winning the whole thing. Originally after reading the Impact spoilers I thought either Pope or Angle would win for sure but then Hogan has been talking in the media saying how Abyss is “his John Cena” and how Abyss has only come so far wearing a mask and wrestling hardcore matches just wait and see what he has in store for him. It is clear to me Abyss is in for a big push in TNA, and whilst I feel that both Pope and Morgan are more deserving, Abyss is defiantly over with the fans and will certainly provide a stern test for AJ at Lockdown, especially seeing as how the match will be inside a cage (although no longer a six sides of steel match!)
Chris’ Predicted Winner: Abyss

AJ Styles © w/ Ric Flair Versus Samoa Joe – TNA Heavyweight Championship – Special Guest Ref: Eric Bischoff

This should be the match of the night, MOYT contender. These two really haven’t faced off in a long time and now that AJ’s the heel and Joe’s the face, it adds a new little bit of flavor to it all. Then add in Flair and Bisch who could wreck all sorts of havoc, I’m more than thrilled about this match! Sometimes I might say there’s too much going on here, but not with the men involved. They’re all such pros and will give us not just a fabulously wrestled match, but a beautifully timed show. Both of them are worthy of holding the title these days, but I think AJ will retain right now. His storyline with Flair and his push is so hot right now that I can’t see him dropping the title right yet. I see AJ and Flair styling and profiling together with the strap for a while longer.
Ken’s Predicted Winner – AJ Styles

Chris Predicts: TNA Heavyweight Championship Match: AJ Styles © with Ric Flair vs Samoa Joe with special guest referee Eric Bischoff

This could really be something special. I cannot remember these guys facing off in recent history with Joe as the out and out babyface and AJ as the out and out heel. What is guaranteed here is a brilliant wrestling match as these two have produced some really memorable matches over the years. With Bischoff as guest referee and Flair at ringside, you can guarantee there is going to be some sort of shenanigans taking place during this one but hopefully they will let AJ and Joe tear the house down for 30 minutes before getting involved. TNA are clearly fully behind pushing AJ as the top guy in the company and with Flair on board and a fresh heel turn, I see no way he is losing this match. It is going to be very interesting seeing AJ wrestle as a heel and how he adapts his move set for a pay per view main event. I actually wouldn’t be surprised to see Sting show up here and clean house on Flair seeing as how Flair is itching to get back in the ring and Sting is surely set to return at some point, although they may hold this off till Lockdown. This should be a MOTY candidate and I am really hyped for this, I know Kendra didn’t like their promo on Impact this week, but personally I thought it was awesome, I loved Joe ripping on AJ and hope they show that before the match! I don’t quite know where Joe will go from here, possibly to join a potential Team Angle vs Team Anderson lethal lockdown match?
Chris’ Predicted Winner: AJ Styles (Retains TNA Heavyweight Title)

Chris is right that I was not thrilled with AJ and Joe’s promo on Impact, but it was mostly because I felt Impact should have ended with that fabulous tag match. It seemed as though everything after it just took away from the highest point of the night. If Impact had been edited differently, putting that segment earlier in the show, but then having Bisch tell AJ about the special ref right at the end, I probably would have been much happier with that segment and the show as a whole. But I do think AAO will be a damn solid PPV, even though there’s so many top wrestlers left off the card and there’s not a Knockout match in sight.

Well there you have it for the second edition of the E.A.X I hope you enjoy our continued push to increase our TNA coverage here at WNW. Thanks to South African correspondent Brandon Van Reenan for the fabulous logo. I am surprised there is no knockout match on the card and wouldn’t be shocked to see one added on the night, also perhaps something may go down with Lashley and Bischoff. If TNA’s online pay per view service is working Sunday night I shall order the show and review it immediately after, if not it will be Monday night. I hope you all enjoy Against All Odds!

KB
Chris

Hey everyone and welcome to this week’s edition of Chris Reviews Smackdown. I have been incredibly busy at work this week, building two huge cable systems that are being fitted on an oil rig so no time for pre show notes unfortunately. Lets get right into it!

One quick note before I start, I am STILL waiting for the useless British postal service to deliver my imported copy of Fozzy’s new album: Chasing The Grail. As soon as I get it I will sit down and review the CD so expect it some time within the next few days!

Opening Segment: Chris Jericho

Grisham and Striker welcome us to ringside and hype tonight’s qualifying matches for the Smackdown Elimination Chamber. Jericho’s music hits and he storms to ringside suited up and looking furious. Jericho says tonight was supposed to be his night and he should be standing here victorious as winner of the 2010 Royal Rumble but he is not as the honour was taken away from him and with it the main event of Wrestlemania 26. Jericho says he has been preparing for that main event ever since he beat four men in the same night at Wrestlemania 25 and ten months of planning was ruined in ten seconds by Edge (the crowd pop for Edge’s name) Jericho says Edge was entered into the Rumble under false pretences and wasn’t even scheduled to return and did not deserve to win because Jericho deserved it. Jericho says whilst Edge has been at home rehabbing Jericho has been carrying the company on his back for the past seven months, winning championships, filling arenas and accruing accomplishments every single night and now just because Edge is back that is all anyone can talk about. Jericho asks why people are cheering for Edge because he is a con artist just like the fans, Jericho says Edge is the same man who has no heart, no passion and no fire and who had the audacity to walk out on Jericho when they were tag team champions. Now Edge is going to the main event of Wrestlemania and Jericho is left with nothing. Jericho says he is too good for nothing and Long tells him he has to qualify for the Elimination Chamber, well Jericho qualifies for nothing and he demands Long come out and rectify this situation, Jericho wants repercussions against Edge and things made right for him because he is the face of Smackdown and everyone knows it. Long doesn’t show and Jericho calls him out again and once again nothing and Jericho storms out of the ring and heads to the back. We see Jericho storming around backstage, screaming at the Hart Dynasty and random crew members and asking where Long’s office is. Jericho storms into the office and rips down a newspaper, thinking it was Long but it was Edge who gets a pop from the live crowd. Edge says Jericho looks like he has seen a ghost and he has seen that look before, right about the time he eliminated him from the Royal Rumble! Edge says Jericho is the reason Edge is back as he lit a fire in him and made him train every second of every day and Edge wants to thank him as he has created a monster. Jericho snarls that if he created a monster he can slay it and Edge will regret ever coming back. Edge tells Jericho, no it is you who will regret me coming back but tonight Edge wants to celebrate and he will bring back the Cutting Edge and tonight his special guest will be a man Edge can face at Wrestlemania: The Undertaker. Edge smiles as Jericho storms out.

Chris Considers: Brilliant opening segment from two of the best mic workers in the business! This had me hooked from start to finish. So great to see Edge back on Friday Night Smackdown where he belongs! This intro also succeeded in keeping the audience drawn in for the Cutting Edge later. Great stuff!

Match One: Triple Threat Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match; Drew McIntyre vs Kane vs John Morrison

Drew McIntyre gets some decent heel heat on his way to the ring and he slowly stalks down to the ring and holds his Intercontinental championship high. Morrison gets a good pop as Drew stares on from the ring. Kane gets a mixed reaction as he breaks up a potential scuffle between Drew and Morrison and the match is underway! Morrison takes it to Drew and Kane with strikes but Drew clubs him from behind and goes to work on Kane but Morrison is up and catches Drew in a roll up for a two count. Kane tries for a double chokeslam but eats a double team DDT from Drew and Morrison who then strike away at each other before Morrison crossbodys Drew from the ring! We go to commercial and when we return Drew is really taking it to Kane in the ring with strikes but Kane comes back with some uppercuts and a kick before connecting an overhead takeover followed by a low dropkick to the face for a near fall which Morrison breaks up. Morrison strikes away at Kane before turning his attentions to Drew who reverses a head scissors with a brutal back breaker but Kane breaks up the pin attempt and as Drew attempts a charge Kane drops him with a big boot. Kane heads to the top rope but Morrison springs up out of nowhere with a pele kick crotching Kane but Drew quickly clotheslines Morrison from the ring and attempts a superplex on the downed big red machine but Kane shoves him off. Drew immediately tries to cut off Kane’s flaying top rope clothesline but Kane grabs him and goes for the chokeslam but Morrison leaps back into the ring and nails the Flying Chuck on both men before hitting Drew with clotheslines and a drop kick and Kane with a drop kick and leg lariat for a near fall which Drew breaks up. Drew kicks Morrison in the head and tries for another back breaker but Morrison counters with a tilt-a-whirl DDT for a near fall which Kane breaks up. All three men are down but Kane is up first and takes it to Drew and Morrison with running clotheslines before clotheslining Drew from the ring. Morrison slides under a clothesline from Kane who fires back with a Sidewalk Slam before heading back to the top rope and connects a diving clothesline. Kane calls for the chokeslam but Drew storms back into the ring and nails Kane several times with his Intercontinental belt before connecting his Future Shock DDT for a near fall which Morrison breaks up with a drive by knee. Morrison connects Starship Pain on Kane for the pinfall and victory to a big pop from the fans. Morrison celebrates with the fans who are really psyched for him following the match.

Result: John Morrison defeats Kane and Drew McIntyre via pinfall to qualify for the Smackdown Elimination Chamber ***

Chris Considers: Excellent triple threat match that succeeded in getting Morrison over in a big way but also kept Drew looking strong and undefeated. I had to watch this FIVE times to cover it, some of the action was so quick! I loved Morrison nailing both men with the Flying Chuck and can honestly say even with just Undertaker vs Morrison I am already looking forward to the Smackdown Chamber more than the RAW one!

Match Two: Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: R-Truth vs Mike Knox

I am glad WWE have finally clicked on to how over Truth is an are pushing him accordingly. At least we have one former TNA guy flying high in WWE, lets hope Christian soon will be as well! Truth is seriously over with the Memphis crowd whereas Mike Knox gets not much of a reaction at all. This is a shame because Knox was actually pretty decent in the RAW chamber last year. Truth applies a headlock but Knox shoves him off only for Truth to immediately leapfrog Knox in the corner and spilt under a charge but Knox decimates Truth with a flying cross body for a very close near fall. Scoop slam from Knox followed by a knee drop for another near fall. Knox pins again for a near fall and a loud ‘What’s Up’ chant erupts from the crowd. Truth holds down the ropes and sends Knox tumbling from the ring and follows up with a somersault to the outside taking Knox down. As Knox staggers back into the ring Truth flies off the top rope and connects a missile drop kick followed by a kick and his corkscrew elbow for the pinfall and victory. Truth pumps the crowd following his win.

Result: R-Truth defeats Mike Knox via pinfall to qualify for the Smackdown Elimination Chamber *1/2

Chris Considers: Short and to the point, I always feel Knox is chronically underused in WWE. However Truth is over enough to deserve a main event push and he remains exciting to watch. I think if this was any other point of the year he could certainly be considered a dark horse to win but with it being Wrestlemania season that is unlikely to happen.

We see some exclusive footage from RAW after it went of the air of Cena making the save for Bret only for Batista to deliver one hell of a savage beatdown. I am actually excited to see these two feud and best of all, no titles involved!

Backstage Segment: The Straight Edge Society

Punk tells Serena and Luke that without him they would not be and they agree. Punk says without the leader there is no Straight Edge Society. Punk says he says this because tonight he steps into the ring with Batista and we just saw what Batista did to Bret Hart and John Cena, and Batista has that in mind for Punk who so far has sheltered and taken care of Luke and Serena need to know what they are willing to do tonight to protect their saviour. Serena says she would do anything and Luke says if it meant preserving their society Luke would stick his head in a fire. Punk smiles and they make their way to the ring.

Chris Considers: Excellent short promo that just highlights how Punk is manipulating his disciples for his own gains.

Match Three: Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Batista vs CM Punk with Luke Gallows & Serena.

Batista makes his way out to a tonne of heat and does his Steiner-esque poses as he enters the ring. The Straight Edge Society get heat as well as they make their way out whilst Batista smirks in the ring. Batista lazes in the corner as the bell rings and Punk gets irate with the referee. Batista smiles as the crowd boo heavily (although perhaps at how badly this segment is bombing) Batista leaves the ring and walks up the ramp as the referee counts him out. Punk celebrates like he just won the World Title whilst Batista smiles and walk away.

Result: CM Punk defeats Batista via countout N/A

Chris Considers: Whilst I am very intrigued where they are taking Batista’s character (the man obsessed with the world title more than anything else) but it seems he is either joining with Vince against Bret or moving on to feud with Cena separately. However this made for some pretty crappy viewing for the live audience who shit all over it, and as much as I like the storyline I would have probably done the same!

Matt Hardy is walking backstage and bumps into Maria who he congratulates for her part in Celebrity Apprentice. Maria wishes Matt luck as he makes his way to the ring.

Match Four: Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Matt Hardy vs Chris Jericho

Matt comes out to a pop but nothing compared to what R-Truth got earlier in the night, perhaps the fans are resigned to the fact Matt is being buried in mid card obscurity for NO REASON OR FAULT OF HIS OWN! We miss Jericho’s entrance during the commercial and the match is underway when we return. Jericho ducks under the ropes and wastes time to heat from the fans. The two lock up and Matt forces Jericho into the corner who then demands the referee break the hold, exciting stuff this, as Jericho bails to the outside and walks around the ring. They lock up again and Jericho applies a headlock which Matt powers out from only to get dropped by shoulder block. Matt fires back with a clothesline and strikes away before hitting a somewhat sloppy clothesline and knocks Jericho into the ropes. Chris fires back with kicks but Matt tosses him over the ropes to the outside and drops Jericho with a diving clothesline but Jericho responds with a drop kick sending Matt into the steel steps. Matt makes it back into the ring at 9 as Jericho strikes away and connects and overhead takeover and applies a headlock as Matt is bleeding from the mouth. Matt fights out of the hold and goes for a roll up which earns a near fall. Jericho nails a vicious enzuguri for a close near fall as Matt staggers to his feet only to get choked on the ropes by Jericho. Jericho misses a charging shoulder and turns straight into a neckbreaker for a close near fall from Matt who then hits his running clothesline/bulldog combo for another near fall. Matt hits his middle rope elbow and calls for the Twist of Fate but Jericho counters with a reverse elbow and nails the Lionsault for a near fall. Jericho screams at the referee and ends up running into a Side Effect which gets its usual near fall. Jericho dodges a splash from Matt in the corner and tries for a pin using his legs on the ropes but the referee spots it and breaks it up. Jericho immediately applies the Walls but Matt rolls it through for a near fall. Matt tries for the Twist of Fate but Jericho grabs the ropes and Matt spins around to eat a Codebreaker giving Jericho the pinfall and victory.

Result: Chris Jericho defeats Matt Hardy via pinfall to qualify for the Smackdown Elimination Chamber **

Chris Considers: This was ok but nothing special. The lack of crowd response hurt the match and I think fans are starting to loose interest in Matt as he is buried and made to work with Khali. This is ridiculous, Matt has worked hard and deserves to be working at a much higher level than this, hopefully when Jeff’s legal issues are resolved Matt will get utilised more effectively. However this is to take nothing away from Elimination Chamber veteran Jericho who I think is red hot favourite to win the match, perhaps with an assist from a former sworn enemy

In Ring Segment: Mickie James & Beth Phoenix

Mickie comes out to a nice pop and says that ever since she was traded to Smackdown Michelle and Layla made her life hell and the insults hurt but at the Royal Rumble Mickie proved that by rising above and being true to yourself and everything you believe in is what a real champion is about and for anyone who tires to cut you down: what goes around comes around. Beth’s music hits and she strolls down to the ring as we see highlights of her eliminating Khali at the Rumble. Beth says whilst Mickie was celebrating her victory over two little girls, Beth was making history and participating in the Royal Rumble with 29 grown men. Beth says that put her in a league of her own and whilst she is proud of Mickie for standing up for what she believed in and in front of the entire WWE Universe had her moment in the sun. Beth reminds Mickie that she will take the Women’s title any time she wants. Mickie says if she wants a match all she had to do was ask. ‘Excuse Me!’ Vickie comes out to a tonne of heat and screams at Beth and Mickie that this is not how things are done and she will determine when a match is made. Vickie tells them they can face the true number one contender: Michelle McCool and her partner Layla. Both Beth and Mickie look pretty pissed.

Chris Considers: Nice promo here, both girls showed they can do something Michelle McCool cannot to save her life: talk on the mic! I think Beth vs Mickie would make for an excellent women’s Wrestlemania match!

Match Five: Mickie James & Beth Phoenix vs Michelle McCool & Layla

Beth and Michelle start out and Beth works over Michelle’s arm and dumps her on the mat. Michelle fires back with an uppercut but Beth nails a charging butt splash and drops a trio of shoulders in the corner. Michelle hits a drop kick to Beth’s leg and drops a series of elbows before continuing to work over the leg and earning a one count. Michelle locks in her heel hook submission hold but Beth kicks her off and as Layla squawks for a tag Beth sends her flying off the apron. Beth goes toe to toe with Michelle and drops a series of shoulder in the corner. Beth tags in Mickie but the punches her out with a right hand. Beth smiles at Michelle but drops her as well and leaves the ring. Layla is able to tag in but Mickie rolls her up for a quick three count. Mickie looks pissed and hurt with Beth as Layla and Michelle squawk away.

Result: Mickie James & Beth Phoenix defeat Michelle McCool & Layla via pinfall *

Chris Considers: Far too short to be meaningful but it was a good showcase of Beth’s power. I hope to see Beth and Michelle face off in a number one contenders match and Beth obliterate her! Layla is very good at sounding very annoying!

Word Up

After some A.K.As we learn this week’s word is King and they run down some famous kings from Memphis: BB King, Elvis (Shad then sings very badly) They then introduce Jerry Lawler and talk him up and he says it is good to be the king.

Chris Considers: Pointless and yet kind of cool for the live audience I guess. If they had done that with something related to London when I was there last year I would have appreciated it!

Match Six: Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Rey Mysterio vs Dolph Ziggler

Six matches already! No wonder only one of them has been any good! Well these two put on some great matches during their feud so if this is given ten minutes it should be really decent. Interesting to not Rey wearing DX colours! Bet Hunter and Shawn were livid when they saw that! Dolph with a quick waistlock take down followed by talking some smack but Rey kips up and the two circle before Dolph drops Rey with a clothesline and grounds Rey down with a series of pin attempts but Rey leaps up onto Dolph’s shoulders and hits a sunset flip for a near fall. Rey sits some buzzsaw style kicks on Dolph before sending him flying from the ring with a crossbody. Rey nails a springboard crossbody and tosses Dolph in the ring but Dolph runs and strikes Rey as he was climbing through the ropes and tries to charge him into the ring post but Rey punches clear and flies off the top rope only for Dolph to counter with a beautiful dropkick for a near fall. Dolph goes for a back suplex but Rey flips out and sends Dolph into the ropes and goes for a 619 but Dolph bails to the outside as we go to commercial. Back from the break and Dolph is striking away at Rey in the centre of the ring. Dolph sets up for a superplex only for Rey to punch him off but Dolph is quickly back up and this time connects a superplex for a near fall. Dolph stomps and strikes before applying a ground based torture rack. Dolph breaks the hold and drops elbows and punches before catapulting Rey into the ropes who lands on his feet. Rye ducks under a charge and drop toes holds Dolph into the turnbuckle before connecting seated senton for a near fall. Dolph tries a sunset flip but Rey rolls through and hits a stiff kick to the face which earns another near fall. Both men are down but Rey is up first and connects a wheelbarrow bulldog for another near fall. Dolph sends Rey into the turnbuckle but Rey leaps over him and tries a springboard crossbody but Dolph hits an AMAZING mid air counter into a powerslam for a near fall. Dolph immediately pins again for a near fall as a loud ‘619’ chant breaks out. Dolph hits a backbreaker and goes for a back suplex but Rey counters with a roll up which is good for the three. Dolph lunges at Rey after the match and Rey nails a 619 to a nice pop from the crowd.

Result: Rey Mysterio defeats Dolph Ziggler via pinfall to qualify for the Smackdown Elimination Chamber **

Chris Considers: Dolph looked really good in this match despite losing. Rey is defiantly suffering from his injuries and I think is in serious danger of ruining his career by working through to Wrestlemania. Still the Smackdown Chamber match is complete and features a good mix of established and up and coming main event talent.

Main Event: The Cutting Edge

Edge comes out to a nice pop and smiles to the crowd before saying it feels really good to be back. Edge says it feels good to be on Smackdown and good to be back home. Edge says in July he tore his Achilles tendon but every ounce of sweat and pain has been worth it to be here right now for this very moment. Edge defied the doctors and is now on the way to the main event of Wrestlemania. Edge says he could face his guest tonight The Undertaker or the WWE Champion Sheamus. Edge reminds us of the awesome opening to RAW on Monday when he speared the crap out of Sheamus and the crowd love it. Edge says that was fun but then Jericho’s music hits and he stomps to the ring. Edge looks amused as Jericho knocks a chair flying out of the way. Jericho says Edge talks about fun and how it feels good to be back and how Edge has been waiting for this moment, well Jericho was waiting for his moment to be in the main event of Wrestlemania but Edge took that away from him and Jericho is not going to stand here and listen to Edge bask in glory of his tainted victory. Jericho menacingly tells Edge that he did not deserve to win, Jericho did. Edge says here is one big reason why Jericho doesn’t deserve to win: Edge threw him over the top rope and eliminated him (pop from the crowd) Jericho asks Edge is he thinks he is better than him? Jericho need he remind Edge that he is the face of Smackdown. Edge says Chris is not the face on Smackdown and it is his own fault, Edge fires up and says he wanted to take something that was possibly a career ending injury, something that Edge has done for his entire adult life and dreamed about since he was a kid, and turn it in to a punch line? Edge says he wants to make Jericho eat those words and for the last six months he has had to watch Jericho all over TV saying he is the best in the world at what he does. Edge says he is sick of Jericho, sick of his suits and sick of that stupid look he has plastered all over his face all the time. Edge says he is sick of Jericho’s face all together and gets right up nose to nose but then Punk’s music hits and the Straight Edge Society make their way to the ring. Punk says Edge and Jericho almost look beautiful showing off their tragic flaws for the world to see. ‘You Suck’ chant from the crowd. Punk says no, he is better than everybody and does not suck and says Jericho and Edge look like two pill popping junkies arguing over the last fix. Punk says it is not about these two ego maniacs, it is about the Elimination Chamber and The Undertaker and who out of the three of them has had a bigger moment against The Undertaker than CM Punk: The Saviour of the WWE Universe. Punk says that whilst Edge was on vacation he must have seen Punk become the first superstar ever to make The Undertaker tap out. Punk says that is something Edge has never and will never do and certainly something Chris Jericho will never aspire to do either. Punk says he was the first man who was brave enough to challenge the WWE Universe to live one nation under Punk, indivisible, with integrity and sobriety for all. Punk says all these two cowards need do is look to the Elimination Chamber, Punk demands Jericho look at him, which Punk will win and become the four time straight edge champion of the world. The Undertaker’s gong hits and the lights go out and The Undertaker annihilates the Straight Edge Society whilst Edge spears Jericho, after a chokeslam to Punk from Taker, Edge teases a Spear but backs off and smiles and he and Taker circle each other as Smackdown goes off the air.

Chris Considers: The three best guys on the mic in WWE, all in the ring together at once! Hell yes! This was an awesome segment, and I actually think for the first time Punk owned both Jericho and Edge with hi s mic work. I think WWE need to quickly decide how they are going to push Edge as he currently seems to be in a bit of a tweener role and certainly does not yet have the full support of the fans. Some of his exchanges with Jericho even came off a bit heelish. I liked how for once Jericho was not backing down from a fight

This episode of Smackdown was great in terms of pay per view build, storyline development and teasing of potential feuds. Where it was decidedly average was the actual wrestling. The opening triple threat match was good whilst Ziggler vs Rey and Knox vs Truth were solid but the rest of the card were forgettable. But the main point of this show was to build the Elimination Chamber pay per view which it did very well and I liked how all the standard matches meant something even if some of them were forgettable. I loved Jericho and Edge continuing their hostility and the teases of Edge and Taker reigniting their rivalry although I think we may see them as a tag team partners sooner rather than later taking on Jericho and Punk. It was really great seeing Edge back and with such a heel heavy Smackdown, I hope WWE make what I believe to be the correct call and make him an out and out babyface.

This week’s match of the week was Morrison vs Kane vs McIntyre and the show scores a good 8/10

That is all for this week’s edition of Chris Reviews Smackdown. I shall be back with a Roadrunner blog as soon as Chasing The Grail arrives at my house, and then next weekend Kendra and I will be back with the second instalment of the E.A.X TNA prediction column. I hope you all have a great week! As always you can email me on a_agreement_called_forever@hotmail.com , add me on facebook: www.facebook.com\wnws.chris.jacks  or follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WNWsChrisJacks  I would love to hear from you!

Due to the piss poor undercard of the Royal Rumble, the top ten matches of the year is still at this point on hold!

Smackdown Power 10

1: The Undertaker
2: Edge (NE)
3: John Morrison (+3)
4: R-Truth (+6)
5: CM Punk
6: Chris Jericho (+1)
7: Rey Mysterio (-5)
8: Drew McIntyre (-4)
9: Batista (-6)
10: Kane (-1)

Watch any WWE programming you miss at www.Dailymotion.com  , your online source for TV shows!

Hey everyone and welcome to the 2010 review blog for the Royal Rumble. In keeping with WWE’s theme of guest hosts, and to bring the readers of WNW yet another new and unique feature I decided to do something a bit different and will be writing the pay per view reviews alongside a guest blogger and for The Royal Rumble, it is my good friend and former WNW ECW blogger: Anthony O’Reilly

Hello everybody. Some of you might remember me and some might not. My name is Anthony O’Reilly and before Robert Manisero wrote the ECW blogs, Paul Smith did, and before Paul did I wrote them. I had to stop in late 2008 due to my personal life but Senior Blogger Chris Jacks has given me the opportunity to return back to WNW to review this year’s Royal Rumble. Chris and I have stayed in contact through Twitter and when I got a message from him offering me this opportunity I was very excited. So let’s get into what happened shall we?

Before we take a look at the matches though, the all important WNW WWE Blog Writes challenge results!

*NOTE* Since Miz vs MVP was only added to the card during the event, I am not taking this into account when tallying our scores seeing as none of us predicted either the match or the result!

1st: Chris 5:0 at The Royal Rumble 5:0 Overall
2nd Rob 4:1 at The Royal Rumble 4:1 Overall
3rd Kendra 2:3 at The Royal Rumble 2:3 Overall
4th Paul 2:3 at The Royal Rumble 2:3 Overall

It was certainly an interesting start to the 2010 blog writers challenge! For the second year in succession I blew away all competition at The Royal Rumble predicting every match correctly, lets hope unlike last year I can keep it up all year! We all correctly predicted The Undertaker would retain and Paul, Rob and I all gave Sheamus the nod over Orton whereas Kendra predicted an Orton DQ victory. Kendra, Rob and I picked Mickie James over Michelle McCool whereas Paul thought WWE would continue to punish Mickie (thank god they didn’t!) Rob and I both predicted that Christian would successfully defend his ECW championship whereas Paul and Kendra both predicted WWE would strap big Zeke. Despite there being 30 men involved all of my colleagues picked Triple H for the Rumble win but I was for once correct in one my ‘out there’ predictions saying that Edge would return and win the event! Lets hope I can continue this strong start to the year at Elimination Chamber!

Ok lets take a look at the matches!

ECW Championship Match: Christian © defeats Ezekiel Jackson

Chris Considers: This was a decent opening match that got the crowd hot early. Up to this point we had yet to see a really competitive match from Big Zeke but this was very well done and I think much better than many of us were expecting. There were some excellent counter and reversal sequences in the latter stages of this match with Zeke constantly thwarting the Killswitch and flattening Christian with some big power moves. Christian continues his run as the most successful ECW champion in WWECW history and I think keeping the belt on him was the correct decision as it will mean far more, putting a challenger over at Wrestlemania. Christian is also, by far, the longest running champion in WWE right now which has, in my opinion, really brought some credibility back to the ECW belt and just furthers the point that long title reigns are far more effective than swapping the belt back and forth every month or two.

Chris’ Star Rating: ***

Anthony Analyses: Although this was a good match it was nothing memorable. Typical big man vs. little man formula with Zeke overpowering Christian throughout the match and Christian using speed and agility to overcome his attacks. I have to say that Ezekiel did look very impressive though. I’ve been kind of shaky on him but tonight really sold me on him. He has the potential to be a threatening force in any brand that he is in. His move set is quite impressive too as I saw myself several times being legitimately shocked at some of the moves that he pulled out. Christian as always put on his best in this match and continues to make a great champion. Although I don’t want to see him lose anytime soon it’s coming on a year he’s been in ECW. I think he’s proved himself now Vince. Please put him on Raw or Smackdown and I say put Zeke as the ECW champion for the rest of the brand’s existence. Good decision right now to keep the belt on Christian but it has to come off soon.

Anthony’s Star Rating: ***

United States Championship Match: The Miz © defeats MVP

Chris Considers: I was pretty pissed off the way this match was added to the event at the last minute. Considering what a good job RAW creative have done with this feud up to now, this was defiantly a step in the wrong direction, and I think the time here should have been devoted to the Women’s match instead. There is nothing wrong with a five match card, if all five of those matches deliver! As a match this was ok, nothing really spectacular, it was interesting to hear a large section of the crowd chanting ‘Miz is awesome’ and heavily booing MVP, who also got a fair amount of heat when he levelled The Miz with the Playmaker following Miz’s cocky celebrations. One thing I did like about this match was late on, where MVP executed three or four quick pin attempts in succession, utilising a different pinning combination each time, that was pretty exciting to see. The finish was a bit innovative with Miz getting a roll up victory as MVP climbed back into the ring and he used MVP’s momentum against him. However there was nothing done here that could not have been done on RAW tomorrow night and a title match should have certainly been promoted in some way or another.

Chris’ Star Rating: **1/2

Anthony Analyses: After a humorous backstage promo concluding with Miz vs. MVP for the US Championship being announced we had that very match take place. These two are without a doubt two future main eventers in this industry. The charisma and skill of both are at the top when it comes to the mid-card wrestlers. The match itself was all right. A good bit of back and forth but nothing too memorable that they probably could’ve done had the match actually been booked into the PPV and given a little more time. For what it was it was very good. The ending was a little weird but it gave build towards what came next. Now before I continue let me say it was a smart idea for Miz to retain. A lot of people were calling for MVP to win but Miz is on the biggest roll of his life right now. For him to lose here would be devastating to that and just have him in the middle of nowhere again especially during this time of the year. Anyway Miz won with a roll up and then after taunting MVP got hit with a playmaker. This feud is really hot right now. Hopefully we can have our first U.S. title defence at WrestleMania since 2007 with this feud and it would be great.

Anthony’s Star Rating: ***

WWE Championship Match: Sheamus © defeats Randy Orton via disqualification

Chris Considers: The fact that this match didn’t even have one of those entrance hyping videos told us all we needed to know about how important this match was to WWE officials. This match was also an indication of how a poorly booked heel vs heel match will generally fall flat on its face as the crowd were DEAD for the majority of this match, with King even acknowledging he was expecting more people to be behind Randy Orton. This was quite a slow match but the work I saw early on in this was good, both men had fallen victim to each others signature offence on RAW for the past couple of weeks so with Sheamus targeting Orton’s arm and Orton targeting Sheamus’ leg was a good example of some intelligent ring work from both guys and certainly something we hadn’t seen from Sheamus before. The problem with this was, it was not very exciting for the live audience, especially when they had no one to cheer for and this defiantly hurt the match. I really hated the ending with Cody Rhodes attacking Sheamus in full view of the referee as this came off really badly. If the plan is now to turn Cody babyface, they shouldn’t have had him snivelling and pandering to Orton in the ring afterwards as it already makes the possible turn look cheap. I argued in the predictions blog that Sheamus really needed a clean victory here to start making him look like a legitimate champion, rather than a guy who is holding the belt by fluke. If WWE plan on having Sheamus as champion at Wrestlemania they need to give him some big clean wins on RAW in the next couple of months plus a successful and decent title defence at Elimination Chamber, otherwise the WWE Championship match at Wrestlemania will be in danger of falling completely flat just as this match did. So whilst some of the work between these two was solid the dead crowd, poor booking and incredibly dumb ending really hurt this match.

Chris’ Star Rating: **

Anthony Analyses: Up next was the WWE title match. Now we honestly knew there was one reason for this match and that was it did in the end. During the night Ted and Cody put thoughts of mistrust with the other one in Orton’s head who eventually said he doesn’t need either of them. Before I begin my analysis let me say that I knew Orton would be the face here but man did the people love him. Haven’t heard a crowd get behind Orton like that in a while. The match itself was actually really enjoyable and better than the two that preceded it. Nobody was in control for too long and both focused on an individual body part during the entire match. I was really impressed by Sheamus that he was able to keep up with a guy like Orton. The match ended when Legacy tried to interfere on Orton’s behalf and take out Sheamus but the ref called for the bell. At first it looked like Cody was going to get what we all thought Ted had coming for him but Orton turned on both members and the crowd actually seemed to like that which was a little weird. It looks like Legacy is about to dissolve altogether but that leaves the question as to what this will mean leading up to WrestleMania. I’m actually excited because it’s something we weren’t expecting. As for Sheamus retaining I guess we all knew it was coming although we didn’t want it.

Anthony’s Star Rating: ***1/2

Women’s Championship Match: Mickie James defeats Michelle McCool ©

Chris Considers: After all of the investment and build WWE had given this the viewers and the women involved at least deserved a match of some description. Whilst these two have had decent matches in the past I argued that this needed to be total domination for Mickie, due to the way this angle had been booked, but I wanted to see her beat the shit out of Michelle, not take her out in one move. This was appalling and inexcusable on the part of WWE creative to further bury their women’s division, especially when both of the women involved were more than capable of delivering a solid match. Michelle also showed before the start, that she should just never be allowed near a microphone ever again! However thankfully this angle finally seems to be over now and the post match caking over Michelle and Layla was certainly some satisfying viewing but Mickie, Michelle and the fans deserved a hell of a lot more than this.

Chris’ Star Rating ½*

Anthony Analyses: Now for those who read my work when I was still writing for WNW know I don’t care much for Women Wrestling. It’s just not my thing. I used to be into it when it was a respectable division in the WWE but now it’s just women slapping and bitching around in the ring. However this feud has been very….. interesting. Mickie is a beautiful woman who has no problem. She is one of the better wrestlers of today and should be treated with respect. However this feud has degraded her for too long. That’s why I’m happy she won even if it was within seconds of the bell ringing. I have nothing more to say about this except that this was the right way to end the feud.

Anthony’s Star Rating: * (for the match) ***** (for the result!)

World Heavyweight Championship Match: The Undertaker © defeats Rey Mysterio

Chris Considers: Considering how banged up these two were heading into this, I think they both deserve pretty major props for delivering a solid if unspectacular match. Undertaker absolutely dominated this one for the most part although Rey did hit some pretty impressive offence, including a double 619. The crowd were certainly into this one a hell of a lot for than they were for the WWE title match, but the problem here was the crowd seemed pretty split between the two which meant neither were getting the pops they usually do, whereas Rey was attracting some heat from the adult males. I think if both of these guys had been in better shape, then this could have been something special, as it was it was just solid. It was interesting that The Undertaker was busted open and bleeding from the nose for the majority of this match and yet no attempt was made by any medical staff to clean him up, it certainly would have been entertaining to see Taker’s reaction to a doctor trying to patch him up. The only real complaint I have here was the 619 is supposed to be a finishing move and yet Undertaker took two of them before easily countering the West Coast Pop and drilling Mysterio with The Last Ride. This defiantly made Rey’s offence look kind of weak in my opinion. Now Undertaker can go on to the Elimination Chamber whilst Rey can perhaps face someone other than Batista!

Chris’ Star Rating: ***

Anthony Analyses: Our last one on one match for the night came in the World Heavyweight Championship match. Again I think we knew who would win this. The promotional video hyped up a lot in this match that didn’t come to happen in the end (will explain later). The match was very good. Undertaker and Rey are so adaptable when it comes to fighting people of different sizes. Rey’s been doing it all his life but Taker can put on a great match with either Kane or Rey. It doesn’t matter for him. Great back and forth here with some awesome reversals that made the match so believable and fun to watch. Taker being busted open was new and that’s sad. But I think if anyone dared coming near him with a towel he’d legitimately bust their skull open. It’s just the fact that they didn’t have to stop the match which was great at this point to clean him up. And Striker continues to show why he’s one of the best in suggesting that Rey focus on the face now. After two 619’s Mysterio suffered the Last Ride for Taker to win. Great finish that didn’t make Rey seem too weak at all and keeps him respectable for his WM feud. Now what I meant before about what they showed in the hype video that didn’t happen was Batista. Now don’t get me wrong I’m glad Roids didn’t interfere but he was just as big in that video as Taker or Rey so shouldn’t he have shown up somewhere? If you didn’t plan on using him in the match then don’t make him seem like the #1 guy in the entire feud please.

Anthony’s Star Rating: ****

The 30 Man Royal Rumble: Edge Wins To Earn a Title Shot At Wrestlemania 26

Chris Considers: Heading into this match, it had to deliver, based on the quality, or more specifically lack of quality on the undercard. Luckily it did just that, this was in my opinion, the best Royal Rumble since 2004. There were so many interesting and cool moments during this match as well as the surprise of Edge returning to win the match itself. I was surprised with a few guys who I thought would have stand out performances and then did not but equally some guys who I thought would get annihilated but then did not. Both Rhodes and DiBiase were eliminated without any problem by Shawn Michaels, this was a surprise because I was expecting them to last much longer and for things to break down between them. I thought John Morrison looked good, but likewise was eliminated to quickly and early by Michaels to make much of an impact. Kofi Kingston made some pretty unique eliminations but failed to really make the impact anyone was hoping for, I guess his push really is over for the time being. I was shocked to see R-Truth take out both Big Show and Mark Henry, that was a big moment and perhaps a sign things will be turning around for him, I was also surprised to see Carlito pretty much take it to everyone when he entered, especially nailing the Backstabber on Triple H. Shawn taking Hunter out of the match was a very cool moment but his tantrum and taking referees out didn’t make much sense, surely he should have gone after Batista ala Booker and Kane from 2007. Similarly when Cena eliminated Batista I was expecting the animal to snap and toss Cena out of the ring but since it was just Cena and Edge left I guess that wasn’t really an option. I enjoyed Beth taking part in the match and popped big time when she took out Khali, the crowd were going nuts for her when she had Punk up as well! One of the things I loved early on was CM Punk eliminating everyone and cutting promos whilst waiting for his next opponent, this was very cool and unique and helped put Punk over in a big way and really make him stand out as one of the high points of the match, because I guarantee at the end of the year if someone was to ask for the three things you remember most from the Rumble it would be Edge returning, Shawn taking out Hunter and Punk’s promos. Edge coming back was just awesome and the crowd went absolutely nuts, I think this should help convince any doubters that Edge will be more than capable of working as a main event babyface as they were still going crazy for him as the show went off air. Of course having Edge win also opens up so many options for WWE. Edge could face Undertaker once again, could go to RAW to challenge Sheamus, or have Jericho win the title from Undertaker (perhaps with an assist from Shawn Michaels) to set up a highly anticipated Edge vs Jericho main event for Wrestlemania. After the very forgettable undercard this match delivered and was exactly what it needed to be: awesome!

Chris’ Star Rating: ****

Anthony Analyses: The Royal Rumble is like a second Christmas to me. I just like the randomness and the excitement of it and if anytime makes me feel markish it’s this. However this Rumble was not too exciting (maybe it’s because it was the first time in four years I watched it on a stream and not TV). There were some high points though. Let’s start off shall we? Ziggler and Bourne in first was kind of weird at first. Then came the first highlight of the night. Punk comes out and eliminates both of them at once and then goes on to cut a promo about saving people. Oh my God. This guy is so freaking fantastic at being a heel it boggles my mind why they kept him face so long. The fact that he was in there for so long by himself just legitimized him so much. Unfortunately that ended too quickly when Triple H threw him over. Really? They should’ve had Punk in there for much longer than that. Number two came when Beth entered in the Rumble. This was very cool. Eliminating Khali is a big thing and then looking like a threat against Punk was huge too. Shame she couldn’t have done more though. So nothing happened then until Michaels eliminated Triple H. This shows the further development of the end of DX. Now I want to talk about Truth and Hardy. They were eliminated way too quick. Hardy more so. I’m impressed they let Truth take out Show and Henry like that but they built up Jericho vs. Truth so much it sucked that Truth was gone before Jericho came out. The final bit came when Edge made his return. Holy crap did I and the crowd go wild. It was a good finish and I love how Michaels freaked out. It gave so much meaning to what the match actually means for these guys. Edge winning was awesome which should lead to an interesting Jericho vs. Edge feud with Edge challenging Jericho who’ll probably win at EC. Again not the best Rumble but it had it’s moments.

Anthony’s Star Rating: ***1/2

Overall I would say this Royal Rumble was worthwhile to The Rumble match itself but the undercard was entirely forgettable. The ECW and Heavyweight title matches were solid but hardly what I would call essential viewing. The US title match could have been done on RAW and the WWE Championship match was hurt by the dead crowd and shoddy booking whilst the women’s title match was a disgrace. I know at the Royal Rumble all the title matches are effectively the undercard but when none of them are decent, let alone outstanding, the overall feeling of the show will not be the same and that was certainly the case tonight. It was fantastic seeing Edge return and win pretty much the only thing he had left to achieve in WWE and the Rumble was my favourite since 2004 but the undercard was not nearly to the standard it needed to be. I wouldn’t recommend ordering the replay but you might want to pick this up on DVD when it comes out, purely for the Rumble match itself.

Chris’ Overall Rating For The Royal Rumble: ***

Well there you have it, I hope you have enjoyed the first WWE PPV guest reviewer edition of Chris Considers. Something else I would like to quickly point out is what a great job Richard did keeping premium members up to date with the Rumble spoilers and news, revealing not only the match results for the entire card but also Beth Phoenix’s surprise addition to the Rumble match. Seriously if you like being up to date with all the backstage news in WWE and TNA I strongly recommend getting a premium account today. Thanks to Anthony for being a part of this and let me know what you think of my guest reviewer concept on the comment board, as always serious and constructive feedback is always greatly appreciated.

Well that’s it for now. I’m once again thankful to Chris to give me this opportunity and hope to be back sometime soon. Until that time my name is Anthony O’Reilly and good luck to all of you.

Hey everyone and welcome to this week’s edition of Chris Reviews Smackdown. I am sorry this blog is up so late but I have had an incredibly hectic few days of working and writing and was so tired when I got back in from work today that I just fell straight to sleep and only woke up just in time to watch the Royal Rumble.

The show opens with a video hyping DX appearing on Smackdown tonight, should be a good show!

Opening Segment: DX, Rey Mysterio, Teddy Long and The Straight Edge Society

DX immediately make their way out to ringside to a big pop from the crowd. Shawn and Hunter give out glow sticks and thankfully seem to have left Hornswoggle on RAW! Hunter pumps the crowd before saying he sees the army is here but Rey Mysterio’s music hits and he strolls down to the ring. Rey gets on the mic and says Shawn knows he respects him immensely but he feels Shawn has no respect for Rey and he has been watching RAW and hearing how Shawn said he would be winning the Rumble and going on to face Undertaker at Wrestlemania. Rey asks Shawn if he really thinks Rey will lose to the Undertaker and Shawn says that is exactly what he thinks and asks why Rey is out there getting in his face. Hunter calms the situation and says Rey has come out looking for a fight but unfortunately Hornswoggle is not here tonight. Rey is pissed and says on Sunday he will do something that both of them have failed to do at Wrestlemania: defeat the Undertaker. Shawn asks what happens if Rey doesn’t make it to the Rumble and Rey returns the question and challenges Shawn to a match. CM Punk’s music hit and the Straight Edge Society walk to the top of the ramp. Punk mocks Rey and says he has to be high and should try watching Smackdown instead of RAW because incase he missed it The Straight Edge Society will defeating DX to become the first straight edge unified tag champions. Punk talks up Gallows and Serena but Triple H cuts him off and says whilst he is relieved to know Punk is straight, he doesn’t think anyone gives a crap about not drinking which gets a big pop from the crowd. Punk tells Triple H that the Society gives a crap and not to pretend to know anything about straight edge. Hunter says he doesn’t get it, he doesn’t smoke or drink or do drunks and yet he doesn’t look like he has been on a week long crack binge with Amy Winehouse! Hunter tells Punk have some pride and clean himself up and take out the clippers and shave of the squirrel he has on his chin, Hunter tells him to take a shower because he is not sure if it is Punk, lobotomy man or Britney Spears but one of them smells of swamp butt. Punk is pissed and asks if comedy hour is over because he came here to claim those tag titles. Long’s music hits and he comes out and says this is not how its going down because this is the WWE and when opportunity knocks things change. Long says there will be no unified tag match tonight because tonight Rey Mysterio will face Shawn Michaels, whilst Punk will face Triple H. Punk looks really pissed as we go to commercial.

Chris Considers: DX minus Hornswoggle can be pretty funny! I liked Hunter ripping on the Society and Rey and this was a good opening that blended just the right amount of comedy and seriousness. It is also good to see Serna is a permanent on screen character!

Match 1: CM Punk with Serena and Luke Gallows vs Triple H

They lock up and Triple H grounds Punk with a headlock but Punk powers out only to get dropped with a shoulder block. Big clothesline from Triple H earns a near fall and he immediately applies a headlock once again. Punk powers up and drops shoulders to Triple H in the corner. Punk repeatedly knees Triple H in the head before bouncing his head off the turnbuckle. Triple H fires back with strikes but Punk hits a drop toe hold and strikes away and whips Triple H who tries a Pedigree but Punk rolls out of the ring. Triple H follows and hurls him back in and has a stare down with Gallows who pretty much tells The Game to bring it. Triple H follows Punk who has rolled right across the ring but Punk bounces Triple H’s head off the ropes and flies off the top rope with a clothesline as we go to commercial. Back from the break and Punk hits a big kick to the back for a near fall and applies a head scissors hold. Punk drops some elbows and covers for two. Punk calls for the GTS but Triple H fires back with strikes only for Punk to take him out with a rolling mule kick for a very close near fall. Punk whips Triple H across the ring and kicks away and tries a snap suplex but Triple H reverses it into one of his own and both men are down. Punk connects a huge roundhouse kick for another near fall and immediately reapplies the head scissors hold. Triple H makes the ropes and Punk has to break the hold and as Punk charges Triple H nails a big spinebuster putting both men down once again. Punk struggles to his feet and eats a series of right hands from Triple H who follows up with a facebuster and a flurry of strikes in the corner. Crotch chop from Triple H followed by a clothesline for a near fall and Triple H follows this up with a high knee to another near fall. Triple H set sup the Pedigree but Punk hurls him over his head and connects his big running knee but Triple H counters out of the bulldog and has Punk up in the air by holding on to one leg. Triple H drops Punk and applies a finger four leg lock. Punk screams and whilst the referee has his face to the mat to check if Punk is out, Triple H uses the ropes for extra leverage. Serena storms the ring and distracts the referee and Gallows nails Triple H with a cheap shot causing him to break the hold. Punk hits a spinning kick and gets Triple H up for the GTS but Hunter counters out and goes for the Pedigree but Serena leaps on his back which causes the disqualification. Triple H hurls Serna off and decks Punk but Serena applies a sleeper hold and Gallows assaults Triple H and beats the hell out of him. Punk then joins the assault and they go to shave Triple H’s head but Shawn hits the ring and DX double team Gallows from the ring. Punk is faced by both members of DX and uses Serena as a human shield and flees the ring. Punk teases a Superkick on Serena but she bails as the Society regroup on the outside.

Result: Triple H defeats CM Punk via disqualification ***

Chris Considers: This was a really good opener that featured some great back and forth action between Hunter and Punk. This furthers the tag team feud and as much as I wanted to see that match I understand Triple H’s complaint that the feud had not been developed, if only he was that bothered when it wasn’t one of his titles on the line!

Match 2: Chris Jericho vs R-Truth

Truth is incredibly over as he raps his way to the ring. I was surprised Jericho did not cut a promo prior to this match like he tends to. Anyway Jericho scores a big kick to the gut and punches and kicks away before applying a headlock and dropping Truth a shoulder block. Truth comes back with his arm drag takeover variant and a nice standing dropkick which sends Jericho reeling and Truth clotheslines him from the ring. Truth tries a suicide dive but Jericho steps out of the way and eats floor as we go to commercial. Back from the break and Jericho is dominating stomping and kicking away whilst mocking the fans. Jericho drops a series of knees and talks smack to Truth who fights back with punches but Jericho hauls Truth up and dumps him on the ropes for a near fall. Gut buster from Jericho leaves Truth rolling around in pain and Chris follows up with an abdominal stretch. Jericho screams at Truth to give up and Truth responds with an arm drag takeover and hit a flying clotheslines and a series of strikes before taking Jericho down with a huricanranna and a flying kick for a near fall. Truth flips and cartwheels away from Jericho but as he splits under a charge Jericho applies the Walls of Jericho but somehow Truth turns the move over and rolls Jericho up for two! Jericho tries a Codebreaker but Truth leans back against the ropes and avoids the move before applying a jack knife pin on Jericho for the victory

Result: R-Truth defeats Chris Jericho via pinfall ***

Chris Considers: Another excellent back and forth encounter. I am surprised to see Truth go over Jericho but it is a sure sign that Chris has no problem with elevating and helping up and coming talent! The end of this match was pretty innovative as well with Truth grabbing the ropes to avoid the Codebreaker. Good stuff all round!

Backstage Interview: Batista

Batista is with Josh Matthews and looking completely ridiculous wearing an outfit that makes him look like a golfer! Josh asks him about the Rumble and Batista says what he did last week was put the spotlight on him as he was robbed of his title and cheated out of his number one contender spot and last week was a statement that he will be winning the Rumble and going on to headline Wrestlemania and reclaim his title. If anyone and he means anyone: Michaels, Triple H, Cena gets in his way and tries to deprive Batista of what is his then they will get hurt.

Match 3: No Disqualification Match for the Intercontinental Championship: Drew McIntyre © vs John Morrison

Morrison gets a nice pop on his entrance and more and more fans seem to be bringing Morrison signs to ringside! Morrison gets on the mic and says unlike Drew he wasn’t picked by the brass in the back to become a corporate champion and he remember when he saw Drew drop the title on the floor to give a running chest bump to Irish buddy Sheamus, by Drew dropping the title shows Morrison that Drew doesn’t understand what the title means and whilst Drew might be talented, he takes short cuts and thinks he doesn’t have to play by the rules, well tonight there are no rules and anything goes so Drew cant cheat or run and life is shrouded by sensation and delusion and the Friday Night Delight is about to show Drew if he wants to be a champion he has to fight for it like everyone else. Drew stalks out and poses with the belt. As the match gets underway Morrison hits a flurry of strikes followed by a facebuster and a leg lariat for a near fall. Morrison clotheslines Drew from the ring to a pop from the crowd but walks right into shots from a Kendo stick. Drew hurls Morrison back in the ring and pins for a near fall, before striking away with clotheslines in the corner which earns another near fall. Drew works over Morrison’s arm but Morrison powers out and strikes with elbows and attempts to leapfrog a charging Drew who counters with a boot to the ribs. Morrison has some brutal welts from the kendo shots! Morrison fights back with a series of strikes and Drew bails to the outside and grabs his belt to leave but Morrison is having none of it and leaps off the apron with a kick and hurls Drew back in the ring before ducking an attempt from Drew to deck him with the belt. Drew connects a pair of big boots before punching away at Morrison as we go to commercial. Back from the break and Drew is in control working over Morrison’s arm and nailing a big kick to the gut. Morrison fights back and tries for Flying Chuck but Drew shoves him off the top rope and grabs the steel steps and hurls them at Morrison who ducks. Drew clotheslines Morrison into the crowd and they brawl through the fans. Morrison gets the upper hand and hurls Drew over the wall and flies over the wall himself with a clothesline. Morrison strikes away with a kendo stick but Drew connects a thumb to the eye, blinding Morrison but as Drew sets up for a kendo shot of his own Morrison nails an arm drag takeover onto the steel steps. Morrison hurls Drew in the ring and pins for two before going for Starship Pain but Drew gets his knees up and delivers his DDT which is apparently called Future Shock onto the Intercontinental Belt and pins for three.

Result: Drew McIntyre defeats John Morrison via pinfall (retains Intercontinental Championship) ***1/4

Chris Considers: This was an enjoyable match, I wish they had played up to the hardcore rules a bit more and used some tables or chairs but it was still good. Props to Morrison for taking a couple of brutal kendo shots! He was as welted as Cena was in his I quit match with Orton! Hopefully now Morrison can move away from the Intercontinental Championship and start working towards the main event. I certainly expect to see him involved in the Elimination Chamber match later this month!

In Ring Segment: Michelle McCool & Layla

Michelle McCool on the mic is never a good thing. She says she has done all of her fans a huge favour and sent Piggy James back to the barnyard for good. Michelle says she cant stop smiling and we see highlights of Layla, Beth and Michelle pouring punch and cake all over Mickie last week. Heat for Michelle as she says that’s all for Piggy James’ career and says she came ate, and cried and then ate some more and went wee wee wee all the way home. Michelle says she can understand why people are upset because Mickie will not show up to their match on Sunday but seeing as she is a fighting champion she issues an open challenge to the divas in the back. Mickie’s music hits but Layla comes out dressed in a pig suit. The two talk at each other about food and weight. The crowd really let them have it with boring chants which you tell they tired to edit as there was a strange hiss over the audio. Layla chases Michelle over the ring and they have a “match” which Michelle wins.

Chris Considers: Utterly insulting to Mickie and the fans once again. I really hope Mickie annihilates Michelle at the Rumble! I am glad the fans really turned on this segment in a big way. Michelle McCool should never be allowed to talk on a mic ever, she is just appalling!

Striker and Grisham run down the Rumble card and we see a factoid video talking about Rumble statistics which was actually pretty interesting.

Batista runs into Shawn backstage and tells him that he doesn’t care about his obsession with The Undertaker and needs to stay out of his way come Sunday. Shawn says he always thought Batista was overrated and as Batista is about to lay him out Triple H turns up and gets in Batista’s face and as Shawn walks away, Batista backs down

Main Event: Rey Mysterio vs Shawn Michaels

Rey gets a big pop on his way to the ring as does Shawn. This look set to be quite a lengthy match as we still have 20 minutes left so I am hoping it delivers big time! Shawn applies a headlock and takes Rey down before dragging him back to his feet and dropping him with a shoulder block, Shawn follows Rey around the ring connecting chops to ‘woos’ from the fans but Rey leapfrogs Shawn in the corner only to get hit with another chop. Shawn avoids a charging Rey and hurls him out of the ring only to miss a baseball slide. Rey hits a headscissors on Shawn as he gets back in the ring but as Rey goes for the 619 Shawn bails to the outside and is defiantly playing a heel role in this match! Shawn drops a knee to Rey’s stomach but misses a chop and Rey hits some strikes but Shawn counters with a strike and another chop which send Rey rolling out of the ring. Shawn follows Rey and nails further chops before hurling Rey back into the ring and connecting an overhead take down. Shawn stomps away and pulls Rey to his feet but Rey ducks a charge and hits a drop toe hold setting Shawn up the 619 but Michaels dodges and tries a Superkick but Rey grabs on to the ropes and avoids the move. Kick to the face from Rey and he takes Shawn out of the ring with a headscissors but falls to the outside himself in the process as we go to commercial. Back from the break and Rey is hitting a series of kicks on Shawn followed by elbows and strikes. Rey works over Shawn’s left leg and applies a hold which Rey breaks to deliver further kicks and headbutts. Shawn fights up and chops away before connecting a swinging neckbreaker but sells the leg injury and doesn’t make the cover. Shawn chops away and whips Rey into the corner but Rey sends Shawn into the turnbuckle with a drop toe hold but as Rey goes for a moonsault Shawn crotches him and hangs him up in the corner but is unable to do anything as he is selling his injuries and Rey falls limply to the mat. Shawn goes for a scoop slam but Rey wriggles out and tries a drop kick but Shawn grabs his legs and applies an Indian Deathlock. Rey screams in pain but is eventually able to reach the ropes and as Shawn tries to reapply the hold Rey hits an enzuguri and both men are down. The two exchange strikes and Shawn takes Rey down with a flying elbow before kipping up and going for an inverted atomic drop but Rey hits a huricanranna and gets a boot up as Shawn charges before connecting a Seated Senton for a close near fall. Both men struggle to feet and Rey tries for a springboard crossbody but Shawn catches him and hits a knee to the gut and pins for a near fall. Shawn tries for a scoop slam again but Rey counters with a DDT and tries a diving headbutt but Shawn gets his knees up to counter and heads to the top rope and hits his elbow drop calls for the Superkick but Rey counters with a rolling mule kick sending Shawn into the ropes and Rye connects a 619 but is unable to springboard as he is selling his injuries. Rey eventually springboards right into a Superkick and both men are down. Batista hits the ring to a tonne of heat and spears Shawn and delivers a Spinebuster to Rey. Batista goes for a Batista Bomb but Triple H hits the ring and they slug it out with Triple H nailing a spinebuster and clotheslines him from the ring but takes himself to the outside in the process. The lights go out and Undertaker’s gong hits and when it comes back on Taker grabs both Rey and Shawn and nails a double chokeslam leaving both men flattened and Taker poses above their fallen bodies.

Result: Rey Mysterio defeats Shawn Michaels via disqualification ***1/2

Chris Considers: Awesome main event that featured some really solid wrestling from both Rey and Shawn. I wouldn’t mind seeing them go at it again at some point as this was just a taster of what they could do! The spot where Michaels hit the Superkick on Rey in mid air was awesome! The ending was great and I liked seeing Triple H and Batista go at it again, would be interesting to see them feud now that the heel/face roles have been reversed! Undertaker exacting some punishment on his would be challengers was fitting and a great way to close the show

There were only four matches on the show this week but all four of them delivered big time. The only thing tonight that I did not care for was the continuation of the Piggy James stuff but hopefully Michelle will get what is coming to her come Sunday! Other than that this was a fantastic go home show that featured some excellent wrestling and a very cool opening promo. This would be one to watch!

I shall be back very shortly with my Rumble Review and then in the week with another Roadrunner blog and then next weekend with Chris Reviews Smackdown I hope you all have a great week! As always you can email me on a_agreement_called_forever@hotmail.com , add me on facebook: www.facebook.com\wnws.chris.jacks  or follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WNWsChrisJacks  I would love to hear from you!

This week’s match of the night was Rey vs Micheals and the show scores a great 9.5/10

Here are ten points to consider coming out of this week’s show
• I enjoyed the opening segment, Hunter can still be very on the mic and his ripping on Rey and the Society made me laugh a lot.
• I also enjoyed his match with Punk. Punk came out of this looking good, whilst Triple H lost no momentum either, sometimes interference is needed and I think here was the perfect example of that.
• A good match between Truth and Jericho, I was surprised at the result but then Jericho has never had a problem putting others over.
• Batista looked ridiculous in that interview, a muscle man golfer!
• Props to Morrison for taking such brutal kendo shots! I they are still sore now!
• Hopefully now Morrison will begin his main event ascent now this feud is seemingly over.
• More insults and degrading crap from Layla and Michelle, lets hope WWE does the right thing at the Rumble!
• What a great match from Rey and Shawn! I would love to see them wrestle again for 20-30 minutes on pay per view!
• How awesome was Shawn countering the springboard move with a Superkick! That looked great
• Nice to see Undertaker exacting some punishment on those who would seek to challenge him, despite the fact he doesn’t wrestle much, he is a very effective champion!

My top ten matches of the year so far in WWE is on hold until after the Royal Rumble in order to get a series of decent matches in the list!

Smackdown Power 10

1: The Undertaker
2: Rey Mysterio
3: Batista
4: Drew McIntyre
5: CM Punk & Luke Gallows
6: John Morrison
7: Chris Jericho
8: R-Truth (+2)
9: Kane (-1)
10: Michelle McCool (NE)

Watch any WWE programming you miss at www.Dailymotion.com , your online source for TV shows!

Chris: Hey everyone and welcome to this brand new feature here on WNW: The Fatal Four Way, where Kendra, Paul, Rob and I all team up to bring you our monthly WWE pay per view predictions. I came up with the idea to do this for a couple of reasons, primarily for you, the readers, to have just one place to go to read our picks, making life much easier. It will also be far easier to keep track on the WNW WWE blog writers challenge this way as well as providing yet another innovative and interactive feature that is totally unique to Wrestling News World. I really hope you enjoy this debut edition and please feel free to leave some feedback and your picks via the comment board. A big thank you to WNW South African correspondent Brandon Van Reenan for once again designing a superb logo for this blog! Brandon currently studies Graphic Design at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, South Africa and if his work for WNW is anything to go by, is in for one hell of a successful career! I couldnt find a way to change the fonts when I wrote this out but Paul and I will be in Italics, whilst Rob and Kendra will be in standard text!

Chris: I think WWE have done a really solid job building the Royal Rumble. All of the feuds leading in here have been built really well and the card is solid. This show is usually one of the best of the year and I am expecting big things from WWE, especially since TNA has really been bringing their A Game (at least on the pay per view side of things) for the last few months. I haven’t really enjoyed the build for the actual Rumble match as I hate that wrestlers just seem to randomly decide to take part, I think I mentioned last year that I felt 2007s qualifying matches were a really good way of doing it. What I do like however is the fact that this is one hell of a star studded rumble with major names involved and I am sure WWE looks set to surprise us and swerve us with a few returns and surprise debuts along the way! So without further ado lets get this underway!

Kendra: I’m so thrilled to be joining the WWE PPV predictions this year! I love writing about TNA, but my love of wrestling doesn’t end there. I grew up watching McMahon TV and it holds a dear place in my heart. While I’m thrilled about joining the boys, predicting big matches like the Royal Rumble truly intimidate me! But more than that I’m very excited about joining the boys in predicting WWE’s 2010 pps!

Paul: So, it’s that time of the year again, one of the most exciting in the WWE calendar, the Royal Rumble. This year we have had some kind of miracle and the Rumble itself has been well built as a story. I know mind blowing right? Anyway, I’m always excited for this event, but this year more than ever the undercard leaves not just something but a lot to be desired. I’m not feeling any of the matches, except weirdly the women’s match, but I’m very scared that that is going to end up not going the way that it really should. Anyway, enough chatter, let’s get to some predictions

Rob: Welcome to the first mega prediction blog of 2010! I’m Rob Manisero, your WNW ECW/Superstars reporter and I’m here with my cohorts in crime of the Blog Spot to deliver some Royal Rumble predictions. The card has shaped up to be pretty decent, with some interesting title matches and a star-studded Royal Rumble bout. I expect a couple of shockers as well as the road to Wrestlemania officially begins!

Chris Predicts ECW Championship Match: Christian © vs Ezekiel Jackson

This match had one of the best builds of any title match I can remember for a long, long time. The homecoming battle royale qualifying matches made ordinary TV matches important and gave a reason to tune in and watch ECW every week. I was surprised with Big Zeke going over, especially considering the talent that was in the battle royale but I am not opposed to it. Zeke so far has looked solid in the ring, is decent on the mic and plays the monster heel role to perfection. I am unsure if Regal will accompany him to the ring, seeing as how he is in the Rumble but if he does, expect some interference which may get broken up by Kozlov. I honestly cannot see Zeke going over here as I think it is too early to make him champion and by having Christian retain here (perhaps all the way to Wrestlemania) it will make the moment someone does finally defeat him, that much more significant!

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Christian (Retains ECW Championship)

Kendra Predicts ECW Championship Match: Christian © vs Ezekiel Jackson

Ezekiel Jackson is one big man and really could be Champion of ECW, and I really don’t think he has enough time behind him as a singles competitor – even though he‘s been backed by Regal. I just feel that the Champion on a show should be someone developed and deserving, but obviously WWE doesn’t feel the same – read Sheamus. Anyway, as I don’t see either of the other two major championships changing hands and Christian has been ECW Champion for quite a long run, I think Jackson actually has a chance. If Regal wasn’t there to support him I wouldn’t give him a shot at all, but with Regal there I think Jackson might just be able to carry the title and add a new spark to ECW.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Ezekiel Jackson (New ECW Champion)

Paul Predicts ECW Championship Match: Christian © vs Ezekiel Jackson

Ever since I stopped blogging ECW, my patience for the program (knowing I don’t explicitly have to watch it) has been getting lesser and lesser. I have not enjoyed seeing Ezekiel Jackson as the focus of the show lately, and that match from last week where he tagged with Regal, went on FOREVER, and does not give me high hopes at all. However, I’m gonna go out there and say that Zeke wins the title. Christian has done literally all he can with the ECW title, and now if they want to push Zeke, they need to give him the title, and they need to do it on a big PPV. I’m not pleased with it, but I’m going there. Let’s just hope it will be quick.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Ezekiel Jackson (New ECW Champion)

Rob Predicts ECW Championship Match: Christian © vs Ezekiel Jackson

One definitive good thing can be said about this match: it has had plenty of build. Between the over-the-top challenge and the interactions between Zeke, Christian, and Regal in the past couple of weeks, the build has been well done. Now it all boils down to whether or not Zeke can deliver a solid match. He has the look, but taking the strap off of Christian now would just be the wrong thing to do. I expect an at least decent match and a good showing from the big man.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Christian (Retains ECW Championship)

Chris Predicts Women’s Championship Match: Michelle McCool © vs Mickie James

I cannot remember a more controversial and talked about angle in WWE, since Vince faking his own death! On one hand I hate this, it is degrading and insulting to fabulous looking Mickie and sends out completely the wrong message to the millions of female fans watching WWE. However it has achieved something that the WWE women’s division has so completely failed to do in recent years and that is make people care about it again. People talk about this match, I see hundreds of tweets of support to Mickie saying they hope she kicks Michelle’s ass. And just look at some of the discussion from our readers on my Smackdown comment board last week. When was the last time anyone really truly cared about a WWE Women’s match? Now whilst these two are capable of good things in the ring against one another, I don’t want to see a competitive match here, I want to see Mickie go out there and beat the living shit out of Layla and Michelle for all the punishment and humiliation they have put her through and finally send out the right message to the fans. I am not one for good guys always win in the end, but this is one instant where they have to. Mickie deserves this and if Michelle walks out of the Rumble with the belt under ANY circumstances I will be furious!

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Mickie James (New Women’s Champion)

Kendra Predicts Women’s Championship Match: Michelle McCool © vs Mickie James

On this one I have to go with my heart even though I will probably be wrong. I think this whole storyline is horrible and Mickie should hand Michelle her face on a platter. Mickie is not at all fat and I’m disgusted by this whole thing. On top of that she’s a heck of a lot better in the ring than Michelle. To top it off, the storyline could get much more interesting if Mickie wins. I’ll be absolutely disgusted if Vince panders to Taker’s girlfriend on this.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Mickie James (New Women’s Champion)

Paul Predicts Women’s Championship Match: Michelle McCool © vs Mickie James

Well this one is a can of worms. The piggy James stuff has not been to my taste at all and maybe you think I’m a pussy who can’t take a wrestling angle, but when I consider all the backstage stuff and the fact that Mickie is trying to get a side career as a country music artist going, stuff like the cake and punch in the face two weeks ago has made me very uncomfortable. What’s most stupid is that the cool heel getting the better of Mickie ever week is almost telling the WWE children fans that this is what (Women’s Champion) a winner looks like, and this is what a loser, a so called fat girl looks like. It’s really stupid and the thing is it could all be made better if Mickie just beat the shit out of her here. I just don’t see it happening though. I’m sure this is just Vince burying Mickie for daring not to be stick thin and daring to try and do something else with her life, and right now is the final kick to the face while Mickie is already down. I don’t agree with this either, but I think Michelle, against all logic, retains.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Michelle McCool (Retains Women’s Championship)

Rob Predicts Women’s Championship Match: Michelle McCool © vs Mickie James

This angle has been just disgusting for the fans and Mickie. I do not know what she did to deserve this kind of treatment, but whatever it was she better win the title this time around. Hopefully in a huge beatdown too. Michelle just has not been cutting it as Women’s champ, especially her poor mic work. Mickie is over with the fans and she is a proven champion.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Mickie James (New Women’s Champion)

Chris Predicts WWE Championship Match: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton

I am very surprised WWE went with heel vs heel here but at the same time pleased because it gives us something different than the usual run of the mill title matches. This match has been built faily well on RAW despite DX overshadowing it somewhat. Sheamus has not been booked well since capturing the title, having constant squash and cheap disqualification matches. However last week on RAW he had a solid match with Cena, where he bested him and had him beaten only for Orton to interfere (and then John Cena took a turd all over the good stuff we saw but that’s a rant for another blog…) anyway for me what that match showed was Sheamus can go in the ring (as we all knew from his FCW days) and I think this has all the potential to be a very good match. The crowd are going to be heavily behind Orton but I cannot see any way he walks out as champion unless WWE pull a huge swerve and put Ted over in the Rumble but sadly that would be too creative (not to mention the fact Ted has been booked so badly he has not been able to get over as much as we all want him to!) I think Legacy will get involved but things may break down and the cost Orton the win and the victory. Randy Orton does not like to get beaten by many people but when his opponent is hand picked by Triple H, Randy may just have to swallow his pride and do the job! I don’t want to see a cheap DQ, I want to see a legitimate win for Sheamus to start building him as the real deal heading in to Wrestlemania.

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Sheamus (Retains WWE Championship)

Kendra Predicts WWE Championship Match: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton

Even though I do not abide by Sheamus being the WWE Champion, it is what it is. Personally I would love to see Orton really smoosh Sheamus in this match. Orton might have been the new guy at one point, but he’s now a seasoned competitor and should give Sheamus quite the run for his money. But in the end I see Sheamus coming out on top with the title. Does this mean Sheamus will win cleanly? Not at all! I think Legacy, specifically Ted will somehow cause a DQ and while Orton might win the match, Sheamus will retain the title.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Randy Orton Via Disqualification (Sheamus Retains WWE Championship)

Paul Predicts WWE Championship Match: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton

Heel vs heel is not a route best advised for a world title match, but as the title isn’t the focus of attention at this show, I guess they can get away with it. Orton has taken on the quasi face role here, and I can’t help but wonder how big of a reaction he will get, especially with people hating Sheamus for having the title in the first place. I don’t expect a good match here to be honest. Sheamus style is interesting when he’s got a good performer to go against, a guy he can swat down. Orton’s plodding, ‘methodical’ (read: boring) offence will not be a style clash that I think will work particularly well. I can’t really see Orton winning the title here, but I don’t see this being a clean win for Sheamus either. My prediction here is that Sheamus retains the title, even if he has take a loss by disqualification to get the ‘w’.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Sheamus

Rob Predicts WWE Championship Match: Sheamus © vs Randy Orton

To me, this match is screaming, begging, and pleading for a Legacy breakup. I want Ted to run down that ramp, presumably to distract Sheamus, and go straight for Orton. Randy will most likely be getting pops considering who he is facing. Sheamus is not the guy I would want as champion going into Wrestlemania, but for the time being, I cannot see Orton taking the belt either. Sheamus will win after Legacy, specifically Ted, inadvertently helps him out.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Sheamus (Retains WWE Championship)

Chris Predicts World Heavyweight Championship Match: The Undertaker © vs Rey Mysterio

I am really looking forward to this match! It is interesting that RAW is doing heel vs heel and Smackdown face vs face, definitely something quite unique! Undertaker and Rey put on a good show on Christmas Day and both of them are such savvy ring veterans, that put them together and you are guaranteed a quality showing. I hope this is given a decent amount of time, despite the questionable physical condition of both guys! This match is sure to split the crowd as both guys are immensely over and I am excite to hear the duelling chants. The only thing that has hurt this feud is Batista constantly inserting himself into the scene even though he is not part of the match. I really hope WWE keep Batista away from this and just let these two go out and entertain us for half an hour. We should see some crazy counters and reversals from Rey but despite his best efforts I see no way he is going over Undertaker here as I imagine Taker is set to head, certainly into Elimination Chamber as champion, if not Wrestlemania

Chris’ Predicted Winner: The Undertaker (Retains World Heavyweight Championship)

Kendra Predicts World Heavyweight Championship Match: The Undertaker © vs Rey Mysterio

While both of these men are uniquely qualified to work the ring and be Champion in their own ways, I don’t like this match. These men are just too different in the ring, both in size and technique. While Rey is one of the best high fliers, I see Taker’s size dominating this match and making it too one sided to be truly interesting. There’s no way Taker can lose to Rey – other than by some strange DQ.

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: The Undertaker (Retains World Heavyweight Championship)

Paul Predicts World Heavyweight Championship Match: The Undertaker © vs Rey Mysterio

This match has been built with Mysterio pretty much looking like nothing. HBK has looked straight past him to a match with Undertaker, he’s been getting decimated by Batista ever since he became #1 contender and he even lost the verbal battle in his confrontation with Undertaker. However, this could be pretty good build as what is Rey Mysterio? He is the ultimate underdog. All the same, I don’t think he’s winning the title here, not with his alleged dodgy knee playing a part as well. What I do expect is the entertaining big man/little man mesh of styles, especially with the ‘phenom’ twist Undertaker brings, and the lucha flair that Mysterio provides. So while I expect a good match, I’m still not betting against Taker.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Undertaker (Retains World Heavyweight Championship)

Rob Predicts World Heavyweight Championship Match: The Undertaker © vs Rey Mysterio

Now this should be a good match and hopefully it will be around 20 minutes of exciting wrestling. Rey is going to have to pull out all the stops and use his speed and high-flying ability to have a chance here. Batista might get involved but hopefully that won’t go down. Just like in the ECW title match, I just cannot see the challenger going over here. With the talk of Rey being hurt and having surgery after Wrestlemania, plus with the developing Shawn Michaels story, it just seems like the company might lean towards Michaels Undertaker Part 2 with the title on the line. Undertaker for the win.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: The Undertaker (Retains World Heavyweight Championship)

Chris Predicts The 30 Man Royal Rumble

Ok I hate Triple H’s annual quest to win the Rumble. It sucks up valuable TV time, when there is no way in hell he should ever be winning the event again. For months I was hoping and praying that WWE would use this match to put over either John Morrison or Kofi Kingston. However Kofi’s push has stalled due to Randy Orton’s ego and Morrison (despite being over as anything) seems a more likely bet for MITB at this point. I think, with it now looking unlikely that The Rock is coming back for Wrestlemania, that this is the perfect time to start a Cena/Batista feud by having Cena eliminate Batista and the enraged animal take Cena out of the ring. This could be the biggest Smackdown vs RAW match ever and defiantly something I would want to see at Wrestlemania now we have a clear heel vs face and Batista is no cowardly heel either which again is refreshing. I don’t care who eliminates Triple H, just as long as someone does, maybe Shawn for ironic purposes. I would be entirely opposed to Shawn going over, if the plan is for Undertaker to enter Wrestlemania as champion and then you would have the actual best match as the main event for a change! But The Rumble should be about establishing new talent rather than putting over someone who has already won. If WWE want to put over an established guy both Chris Jericho and CM Punk have very strong arguments for the victory. I am hoping to see some surprise returns here hopefully from RVD and a couple of legends but what I am really hoping WWE do is pull a not so much of a swerve here and bring back Edge and have him eliminate Jericho and win the Rumble, if Edge is not quite ready to return yet from injury then have Jericho take him out on Smackdown next week and demand “his” title match against Taker at Elimination Chamber and then bring Edge back again after that to challenge Jericho. It is perfect and Jericho deserves to main event Wrestlemania more than anyone else on the roster after being consistently the best performer of the last two years (as well as having to endure that awful Legends angle last year) Edge as a babyface would be great as well and can you imagine the roof blowing off the place when “You Think You Know Me” hits! For me this would be perfect and for once my far out there predictions do actually have some evidence to support them, just check out this inadvertently released picture that Netflix had for the Rumble DVD (It has since been pulled and replaced with the Rumble poster!)

Chris’ Predicted Winner: Edge

Kendra Predicts The 30 Man Royal Rumble

This is the first time I’m predicting the actual Royal Rumble Match for anything other than my own personal fun and it’s really tweaked me out! While I’d love WWE to take a huge leap of faith and book Cody Rhodes, MVP, Ted DiBiase Jr. or even Bryan Danielson (wouldn’t that be huge?) to win, I do not see it happening with the match being so stocked with bog names. Therefore I have to wonder if WWE will go with the obvious – HBK, HHH, Cena or Batista – or something more interesting like Kane or Big Show. But I have whittled it down to two people who would make the win interesting – Kofi Kingston and Chris Jericho. I’m sure Kofi makes sense to most fans as he’s so interesting and truly a rising star, but I’m sure some wonder about my picking Jericho. I just have a feeling that he would be an interesting swerve. He’s been a star for quite a while, but he’s never won the RR and I think it’s about time. The problem is that Jericho just pulled a dumb and drunken move by getting arrested with Hurricane! That again leaves me with no clue again. So I’m going with HHH. Maybe this will be the breakdown of DX!

Kendra’s Predicted Winner: Triple H

Paul Predicts The 30 Man Royal Rumble

I actually have been really impressed with the way that WWE has gone in trying to build up the Rumble match as actually being important. That hasn’t happened for a good few years and unlike last year when it was nearly a given that Randy Orton would win (so obvious in fact in the prediction blog from last year I felt it was too much of a safe answer and went elsewhere), there are several guys that could win here. You look at HHH, HBK, John Cena, Batista and Chris Jericho as the main event candidates and perhaps guys like Big Show, Kofi Kingston and CM Punk with an outside shot. There are many different guys who have all put their say forward and claimed that they can win the Rumble and that does make it more interesting, especially when there isn’t an obvious way to go. I’ve been mulling through various possibilities in my head. I thought on the outside way of things, following a shock upset from Rey Mysterio, CM Punk could win the title to go for hair vs title/mask but that doesn’t look very likely. I considered Shawn Michaels winning and going straight to Wrestlemania to face Taker, but I don’t really see that either. what I could see is John Cena perhaps winning to go on to face an Elimination Chamber winning Batista at Wrestlemania. And while I think we may see some combination of the aforementioned matches at Wrestlemania, I think it will be due to a Triple H win, going on to face maybe Sheamus, or maybe someone else, maybe HBK depending on the outcome at Elimination Chamber.

Paul’s Predicted Winner: Triple H

Rob Predicts The 30 Man Royal Rumble

There is no doubting the star power in this year’s Royal Rumble match. A plethora of guys can easily win this thing, including HHH, HBK, Batista, Cena, and Jericho, to name a few. I would love to see a young guy like Kofi outlast everyone, but it looks like Orton sent him back down to the mid-carders. There is a really poor chance of a young guy being elevated here, especially with Sheamus already looking like the WWE champ for WM26. It will be interesting to see if it comes down to DX, and in my mind it probably will. Cena is always there, and considering he single-handedly made the WWE title match look weak with his superhuman antics on Raw, he is a definite favorite. Jericho is deserving of it too, but I’m hoping that a guy named Edge will take him out. That being said, I’m going to go with a DX ending and a HHH win.

Rob’s Predicted Winner: Triple H

Chris: Well there you have it, the first fully loaded edition of The Fatal Four Way is complete. As I said, I hope you enjoy this new feature and we will all be back again for Elimination Chamber next month as well as with our respective blogs in the week. I will also be reviewing The Rumble (hopefully immediately following the event if I can manage to stay awake!) and have something else special lined up for that as well so be sure to check that out. Thank you so much for your continued support of Wrestling News World and its writing staff!

Kendra: I really think this Royal Rumble will be one of the more interesting in past years. There’s a lot of big names in this year’s Rumble and that should make for a lot of intrigue and fun. I also see some new feuds starting from the Rumble Match. I just can’t wait to sit down to watch and live Blog with everyone!

Paul: So, there you have it folks, thats the Royal Rumble. Since Satan apparently put together my University timetable I wont be able to stay up to join and moderate you guys in the live chat, but I will be catching the show as soon as possible, and will give you my thoughts in the pre-game of my RAW blog. For now though, I hope you enjoyed this new style of prediction blog, and you should let us all know your thoughts. Until next time then, I have been Paul Smith

Rob: Well there you have it. This big-four PPV should definitely deliver and hopefully with my picks, which will give me an early lead in any sort of standings we might have. Until next time, here’s hoping we see Edge!