WWE Extreme Rules: An Early Overview

We're a little shy of a week and a half removed from the biggest pay-per-view of the year and even though we're better than a month away from the next one, some of the card is already starting to materialize. Following last week's RAW, I had devised what I believed to be an ideal card based on the direction certain storylines were going, but after tonight's show, most of the matches seem to be straying slightly from my template. Let's take a look at what's in the fold for the fans after tonight's show--



STEEL CAGE MATCH
TRIPLE H vs. BROCK LESNAR

Okay, so Triple H hasn't "accepted Brock's challenge" yet. Let's be honest, though. The only thing that's more of a lock than this is The Undertaker disappearing after next week only to return at Wrestlemania and win another match next year.

Long story short, the score is tied and there needs to be a decisive winner. Look for another war similar to the one we got at Mania, only a little more brutality and (dare I say it) maybe a little blood spilled. Brock has another good showing and Triple H gets the final victory in this rivalry.

What Should Be Booked In Its Place: Nothing. 

Triple H is reveling in his status among the "Once A Year Club" (See: The Rock, The Undertaker, etc.) and really has nothing else to prove at this point in his career. Brock is signed for a finite number of appearances over the next couple years and to use all of them up this soon would be foolish. I understand that The Rock's sudden disappearance threw somewhat of a wrench into the works, but the dust needs to settle on Triple H-Brock Lesnar II before we go rushing into the last leg of the trilogy. Lesnar could still make an appearance and an impact without going into overkill on a rivalry that could wrap one year hence from their initial confrontation at Summerslam. WWE should give Hunter the night off on May 19, but alas, that won't be the case.



WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
JOHN CENA vs. RYBACK

Don't get me wrong, this match works. I am very appreciative of the fact that they were able to affix MONTHS worth of developing storyline to support this feud, but there's ONE element missing.

What Should Be Booked: Steel Cage Match--John Cena vs. Ryback vs. Mark Henry

Last week, John Cena was in a fighting mood and issued an open challenge to anyone who felt that they had what it took to go toe-to-toe with the new WWE Champion and the first man to step up was the World's Strongest Man, Mark Henry. After an admittedly anti-climactic finish, Cena won the contest by countout, but Henry wasn't finished. Before Ryback came down to make his statement, Henry made one of his own and flattened Cena into oblivion. Ryback will make a fine #1 contender, but it seems that Henry got the shaft here.

 After dispatching Ryback last Sunday at Wrestlemania, shouldn't Mark Henry be able to stake a claim to making this a triple threat match? If there's one thing Creative likes to book for Cena more than overcoming insurmountable odds against one monstrous opponent, it's overcoming TWO. Take Cena, Henry and Ryback and throw them into a Steel Cage with the title on the line.

Have Cena retain if you choose, but have a twist ending prepared; say, PAUL HEYMAN cornering all three after the match and having THE SHIELD, BROCK LESNAR and CM PUNK close in from all sides. Punk slams the door on Cena's head, Heyman chains the cage door shut behind them and a post-match beatdown on all three ensues. A GTS to Cena here, an F-5 to Ryback there and a Triple Powerbomb from the Shield to Henry through the cage wall, signaling the dawn of a new Dangerous Alliance for The Mad Scientist of ECW.

 

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. JACK SWAGGER vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO

This will be a fine match on it's own, even not knowing what stipulation will be affixed to it. Ziggler has been well cast as the vulnerable, but capable champion and the opponents are filling their roles beautifully. Del Rio, works well as the determined former champion bent on getting the title back and Swagger, the slighted number one contender who gained some retribution by putting one over on the current titleholder makes a perfect third wheel. But again, I can't help but feel that this match is a little lacking.

What Should Be Booked: Six Pack Challenge--Dolph Ziggler vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger vs. Randy Orton vs. Big Show vs. Sheamus

In 2010, WWE took three storylines--John Cena's struggle against The Nexus, Chris Jericho and Edge's shady tendencies on the heels of the Summerslam match against said Nexus and their own personal desires to get back to the top of the game and added them to the main title hunt between then WWE Champion Sheamus and #1 contender Randy Orton. Combined, they created a solid six-man elimination match that saw Orton regain the belt.

Among (ahem) "Smackdown" storylines now, we have a similar set-up. There's the ongoing feud between Del Rio and Swagger, The new wrinkle of Ziggler as the defending champion, and we have Orton, Sheamus and Big Show battling between each other over their inability to form a cohesive unit against The Shield at Mania. In the course of the last year, 5 of these men (with the exception of Orton) have either held the gold or have been in the title hunt. And don't kid yourself, all of them would love nothing more than to hold it again. What better way to illustrate the "Ziggler vs. The World" mentality than to have him helplessly defending the strap against 5 very hungry challengers?

WWE Extreme Rules is taking place in St. Louis, MO. No doubt the hometown crowd would be WILDLY in favor of Orton leaving with the gold again. I could see the match coming down to Ziggler, Orton and Swagger with Orton dispatching the "Real American" with an RKO. From there, Coulter goes after Orton and gets one of those trademarked scoop slams. Ziggler capitalizes with a ZigZag and collects a nearfall.

The match ultimately ends with Orton's RKO getting blocked and The Viper getting sent into Big E Langston's path. The momentary distraction is enough for Ziggler to stun Orton with another superkick a la Survivor Series and The Show Off picking up the victory. Dolph gets over as a Sleazy Heel, Orton gets robbed, and St. Louis gets a great elimination match.


SHEAMUS vs. MARK HENRY

This one is inevitable. On Friday, Henry put Sheamus through a table. This week on RAW it was a wall. With Henry's penchant for putting Sheamus THROUGH things, I suspect a Tables Match is on the horizon.

What Should Be Booked: At this point, I've made it clear that these two should be in contention for the respective WWE and World Titles. However, it seems that this is the match we'll get. Meanwhile, Randy Orton and The Big Show will more than likely find themselves as opponents in another match (stipulation TBD) at Extreme Rules. It just seems that the ball is being dropped in favor of more feuds that don't really have much of a build.


2-ON-3 HANDICAP MATCH FOR THE TAG TEAM TITLES

This is the one match that seems like it's on the right track to happen as I intended. Next week, The Shield will square off with Team Hell No and The Undertaker in London. Once the Deadman is removed from the equation next week, The Tag Team Champions will be at the Shield's mercy. And since each match at the next PPV will feature some form of extreme stipulation, expect this one to carry the "Handicap Match" label. The numbers game will catch up eventually and The Shield will capture the gold, whereupon they'll defend using the famed "Freebird Rule". After eight months of functional dysfunction, this is where Kane and Daniel Bryan will implode as a unit, leading to the renewed feud for which most of us have been waiting.

The rest of the card is still up in the air. With that said, here's the card I've been hoping for and the card I expect we'll end up getting.

YouTube Pre-Show:


What Should Happen: Elimination Tag Match--Tons of Funk vs. Team Rhodes Scholars

Honestly, I don't really want to see this match again, but the "blue chippers" as Jim Ross would call them, that being Brodus Clay, Damien Sandow and ESPECIALLY Cody Rhodes, deserve better than getting bumped from the card.

What Will Happen: Talented Up-and-Comers will get bumped again.

Big Show's fist must truly be a Weapon of Mass Destruction--just look what it's done to Cody Rhodes' career since Wrestlemania 28--Losing the Intercontinental Title a 2nd time (this time to Christian), losing the rematch a month later, an also-ran at Money In The Bank, missed out on Summerslam completely, failed to recapture the IC Title at Night of Champions, teamed with Sandow and spent the next four months losing out on the tag team titles, including a month lost to a concussion). Since February, Rhodes AND Sandow have been locked into a downward spiral of continued matches with Brodus Clay and Tensai and the situation is not improving. Rhodes Scholars would need to employ the isolation game, hopefully drawing Tensai into a count out before outnumbering Brodus and getting both of their careers back on track.

As for the rest of the show--


What Should Happen: Wade Barrett vs. The Miz in a Ladder Match for the IC Title


What We'll Probably Get: Wade Barrett vs. R-Truth (Stipulation TBD)

As a former champion, Miz is entitled to a rematch, but when it comes to the undercard, continuity doesn't matter nearly as much as it might for a main event scenario. A ladder match could ensure that Barrett retains in dramatic fashion and could create an emphatic conclusion to the angle started prior to Mania. However, as R-Truth picked up an unlikely victory over Barrett on RAW this Monday, it leads me to believe that they're taking a different direction.


What Should Happen: Fandango vs. Christian in a Falls Count Anywhere Match
What We'll Probably Get: Fandango vs. The Miz (Stipulation TBD)

I'm not sure about either scenario here, but honestly Christian would work better. This would give Miz his aforementioned rematch clause and would give Christian an opportunity to return to WWE TV. I don't know if Vince is actively trying to keep Christian off the roster, or if Creative earnestly can't think of a good way to write him back in, but with Jericho going back on tour, Fandango needs a new feud and a couple months with Captain Charisma could do the trick.


What Should Happen: Kofi Kingston vs. Antonio Cesaro in a 2 of 3 Falls Match for the U.S. Title
What We'll Probably Get: Kofi Kingston vs. Antonio Cesaro (Stipulation TBD)

I'm not sure that this match won't still happen. Stipulation notwithstanding, the fact remains that Cesaro is supposed to get a rematch. And while The U.S. Title has a tendency of getting bumped from the card, a 2 of 3 Falls Match could serve as a good in-between for main events at the show. Considering the solid match that saw Kofi take the title in the first place, it might serve the card well to hold the return match at Extreme Rules. The contest would see Kofi win the first fall, Cesaro take the second and would set up for an interesting finish akin to Monday's match.


What Should Happen: Kaitlyn vs. A.J. (w/Big E Langston) in a Lumberjill Match for the Diva's Title


What We'll Probably Get: Kaitlyn vs. one of the Bellas in a throwaway match on the card

I'm probably the farthest thing from A.J.'s biggest fan, but if they're going to continue to push her in the same stable as the defending World Champion, she needs to step up her game and actually mix it up in the ring once in a while. The outcome could work either way in a title match with Kaitlyn. Have A.J. win the title with an assist from Big E or some of the lumberjills OR have Kaitlyn retain and send A.J. into one of her world class tantrums. A good payoff either way.

There's still several weeks before the Extreme Rules PPV, but I can't help but feel like we could still get a better card with a few extra hours in the Writers' Room....

The Disregarded Dozen: The 12 most glaring omissions from the WWE Hall of Fame (and a few Honorable Mentions)

There's always plenty of pomp, pageantry and chaos surrounding the venue hosting Wrestlemania, especially during Wrestlemania Week, not the least of which focuses on the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony the night before the "Main Event", so to speak. This year's class (personal opinions about Donald Trump aside) is shaping up to be a decent class, what with the inclusion of people like 

Booker T--The six-time World Champ who's held the United States title on four separate occasions and more tag team championships than I can count; 

Trish Stratus--The woman who's held the Women's Championship more than any other that stepped into the ring; 

Bob Backlund--One of the most beloved superstars throughout the seventies and early eighties and with two World Championship runs longer than the entirety of some of today's WWE superstars' time on the roster.

Mick Foley--A pioneer in Hardcore-style wrestling and a dogged contender who would leave literally everything in the ring (even an ear and a tooth or two) to defend the gold (when he had it) and entertain the masses. There's a reason they call him "The Hardcore Icon".

and at long last....

Bruno Sammartino--Considered by many to be "The Greatest of All Time", Sammartino's 7 1/2 year run as World Champion will likely never be matched again.

So naturally, this inductee list has once again helped me set sight on those who, for some reason or another, are still receiving the cold shoulder from Stamford. So as has been custom for me every year, here once again are the 12 names, however unlikely, deserve to set foot among the immortals and take their rightful spot in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2014:

"MACHO MAN" RANDY SAVAGE

This is the one that baffles me to this day. The question is who and what to believe as the root to the reason why? Is it due to some sort of deep-seated personal grudge that Vince McMahon has against the man that he is on record calling the best all-around wrestler that he ever had the pleasure of working with? Is the major issue that Lanny Poffo (AKA The Genius) refuses to let him be inducted unless it's as   part of the Poffo Family, including himself and their father, Angelo?

Whatever the reason, the continued deferment of Savage's induction is utterly inexcusable. No matter the role he played, he was always either one of the most beloved or most reviled superstars in the game. Six-Time World Champion, Intercontinental Champion, Charisma for days, at levels few would ever DREAM of reaching. His match with Ricky Steamboat at Wrestlemania III held Pro Wrestling Illustrated's #1 spot on the Greatest Matches of All Time for 17 years straight and is still the match that many point to as the reason that they got into the business in the first place.

Regrettably, Savage didn't live long enough to see the day come where he could stand on the stage of the Hall of Fame and soak in the adulation one more time, but WWE can still right this wrong. If Savage is to be inducted as part of a group, let it be with the First Lady of Wrestling and the original WWE Diva, Miss Elizabeth.

Mr. McMahon, please, put petty differences aside and induct this man. NOW.

OWEN HART

O.k. I understand the circumstances here, and I realize that there's probably a large cross-section of people out there who grow weary of hearing people like me stump for Owen Hart to get into the Hall of Fame, when I should know full well that his widow, Martha, wants nothing to do with it. But I stand by my position.

I understand and respect Martha's wishes to disassociate herself from the company responsible for the incredible tragedy that befell Owen. But does it really seem like the thing that The Hart Family or Owen himself would want for his legacy to be defined by, what he would want for the fans? Let's review that legacy, shall we?

Owen held every major title that the then-WWF had to offer except for the big one and even the casual observer could tell you that that one was on the horizon. His matches with his brother Bret at Wrestlemania X and later at Summerslam 1994 are still, for my money, two of the best technical bouts I personally have ever witnessed.

Instead we continue to go in circles. Owen is kept from the Hall of Fame and lawsuits against WWE continue to snowball concerning likeness usage and the royalties therein, stifling any understanding the fans could have of the quality of consummate performer that The King of Harts truly was.

Enough is enough, and it's time for a change.

JAKE "THE SNAKE" ROBERTS

Without question, the greatest WWF Superstar to never hold a major title. Jake Roberts was always entertaining to watch, and while he may not have been a full-blooded technician, The Snake had a ring presence like no other. Sure, there was always Damien or a Lucifer around to keep fans attentive, and the images of a King Cobra sinking its fangs into Randy Savage raised eyebrows and terrified younger fans alike. It's still one of the most instantly memorable moments in this WWE fan's book. But Roberts' impact goes FAR beyond the surface, much like his personality itself.

The next time you're watching a WWE match, keep a watchful eye. Count how many superstars utilize a DDT in any given three hour program and realize that were it not for an in-ring mishap by Roberts, that maneuver wouldn't be nearly as commonplace. Roberts had applied a front facelock on his opponent and accidentally tripped over his unlucky victim's foot. The rest, as they say, is history.

While Roberts' in-ring performances may not be particularly memorable, it was the delivery of his promos that is the stuff of legends. Roberts had a method that was almost Shakespearean. While everyone else was delivering out of control promos, ranting and raving at the top of their voice to get the fans worked into a frenzy, Jake Roberts spoke icily at a level that rarely rose above a whisper. This was done expertly, not to have the fans HEAR the energy of the promo, but to require them to LISTEN to the words. What resulted was often mic poetry that would send chills down the spine.

-"It's not the size of the wand. It's the magic you can perform."

-"These were people far less fortunate than you, people who could use your money for essentials, and what did you do? You made fun of them. You humbled them and you humiliated them. Well, now it’s my turn. I’m going to make you beg, Dibiase, you are going to get down on your hands and knees. This time, you’ll be the one that’s humbled. This time, you’ll be the one that’s humiliated, and this time, you will be the one that grovels for the money. And how appropriate, that the money you grovel for is your very own. A victim of your own greed, wallowing in the muck of avarice."

-"The blind leading the blind? Even a fool knows that a man only has five senses. But a snake? He has six. We always do it better in the dark."

-"This isn't the beginning... this isn't the end, it's not even the beginning of the end...yet the end of the beginning."

and my personal favorite...

-"I'm like a window too hard to break and too dark to look into."

If you find yourself with a little spare time, please, log onto YouTube and look up the best of Jake Roberts promos. You shall not be disappointed.

Trust Me.

THE UNDERTAKER and PAUL BEARER

Does anything REALLY need to be said?

Regardless of the outcome on April 7, even if it's 20-1, the accomplishment of 20 consecutive wins with no losses on WWE's biggest stage will never be seen again. Paul Bearer is hands down one of the greatest managers ever in terms of charisma and character. The Undertaker has been the most commanding and intimidating presence in the WWE for the last 25 years and since Shawn Michaels' retirement, has become the company's longest tenured superstar.

Whether he decides to ride off into the sunset after this year's showcase or not, I fully expect The Deadman to be the first name to roll off the list for next year's inductees. What better place than the 30th anniversary celebration of the event with which his legacy has become so intimately intertwined?

THE ROCK

I'm not gonna spend much time here. One of the architects of the Attitude Era, a ten-time (and current) WWE Champion. One of the best rivalries WWE can lay claim to (vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin). Stone Cold enter the Hall five years ago, the year AFTER Rocky's father and grandfather joined. It only makes sense to include The Great One as part of the 30th Anniversary Class.

DEMOLITION

Yes, all three of them. Ax, Smash AND Crush. 

While The Road Warriors/Legion of Doom was dominating AWA, NWA, WCW and just about any other circuit that would have them, Demolition's Ax and Smash were busy becoming three-time World Tag Champions, a feat that at the time was unprecedented in the World Wrestling Federation. When Crush was added to the tandem in 1990, they executed the famed "Freebird Rule" to perfection. In the golden age of tag teams, The Demolition "Walking Disaster" and the driving riffs of Rick Derringer made these guys the most vaunted duo/trio, some would say even to this day. While their war-painted counterparts in L.O.D. were inducted just a few years back, the time has come to induct the guys with "PAIN" and "DESTRUCTION" as their middle names.

And if they don't, well, the Hall of Fame might be in line for a little...erm, Demolition.

THE BRITISH BULLDOG

Intercontinental Champion, Multi-time Tag Team Champion, World Wrestling Federation's inaugural European Champion and arguably one of the most powerful men in the business, Davey Boy Smith was a fixture in the business for three stints from 1984-1988, again from 1990-1992 and one final run from 1994-1997. 

Perhaps the finest moment in any of these runs came at Summerslam 1992. The Bulldog was so immensely popular during his second run that WWF took Summerslam to Wembley Stadium in London where he would become Intercontinental Champion in front of 80, 355 of his fellow countrymen. The match with his cousin Bret Hart was so immensely popular that it actually eclipsed the WWF Championship match on the card that night and is still considered one of Summerslam's best. One has to wonder if the WWE's strained relationship with the Hart Family is keeping The Bulldog out, but it shouldn't. 

BRIAN PILLMAN

Flyin' Brian. The Loose Cannon. The Rogue Horsemen. The Ticking Time Bomb. 

Whatever you choose to call him, we should be able to call him Hall of Famer.

From his partnership with "Stunning" Steve Austin as The Hollywood Blonds to the more famous feud with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Pillman was always something to watch. His matches with the likes of the Four Horsemen, Eddie Guerrero, Alex Wright and Buff Bagwell are worth a second look. "Pillman's Got A Gun" is still one of the more controversial segments in WWE RAW history and his alignment with the Hart Foundation against Austin served as the launchpad for the WWE's explosion in popularity in the mid-to-late '90s. 

Sadly, like many of those still waiting to be inducted, Pillman won't be there to accept should the occasion arise. One has to wonder though, had the circumstances been different, what could he have achieved? Would we even be having this conversation about whether he should be in the Hall of Fame?

THE BIG BOSS MAN

One of the most imposing figures in the golden era of WWF and yet one of the nicest guys you'd ever have the chance of meeting (at least in my experience), The Boss Man was just a big hoss who loved a good fight. 

Though he didn't win any titles until his second run, he was a regular threat to guys like Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage during their individual runs as WWF Heavyweight Champion. He would later mix it up with the fans' support against the likes of Ted DiBiase, Mr. Perfect and practically every member of the Heenan Family. His most notable feuds came against The Mountie, which peaked at Summerslam 1991 with a Jailhouse Match that resulted in an uh...interesting conclusion. The other was against escaped convict Nailz, which culminated in a Nightstick on a Pole Match at Survivor Series in 1992. 

The Boss Man would later go on to serve as Vince McMahon's personal protection against Stone Cold Steve Austin and DeGeneration X. He competed in one of WWE's most celebrated match stipulations (Hell In A Cell) against the Undertaker and one that most would like to forget (Kennel From Hell Match) against Al Snow. His last major feud came when he dragged the casket that was supposedly carrying the Big Show's father through the cemetery. This led to a WWF Championship match against the giant at Armageddon 1999, where he was quickly dispatched. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Ray Traylor mere months before he passed. He was campaigning at the time to become the next Commissioner of Paulding County, Georgia. He was autographing basketballs just outside our local Wal-Mart (sounds hokey, I know, but that's where people congregated) as part of his campaign. I got the opportunity to say hello, shake hands, and my younger brother Nick came away with the last basketball he had in stock. 

In an era of unforgettable characters, The Boss Man is one that stands in the forefront. Induct him please.

RAVISHING RICK RUDE

Come on. If only for the mustache alone, this guy needs to get in.

The fact of the matter is, there is more to it than the mustache: 

Intercontinental Champion. United States Champion. NWA American World Heavyweight Champion. Tag Team Champion. The list of superstars who have been inspired by his personality, swagger and brash bravado is endless--Mr. Perfect, Dolph Ziggler, Cody Rhodes, The Miz, Shawn Michaels, Val Venis, Chris Jericho, John Morrison, Edge and Christian...The list goes on. 

His Steel Cage Match against the Ultimate Warrior for the WWF Championship is worth a second look and so is his consideration for the WWE Hall of Fame, even if the "Inner City Sweathogs" have a problem with it.

THE HONKY TONK MAN

The Greatest Intercontinental Champion of All Time.

It's true. To this day, no one has held the Intercontinental Championship for longer than WWE's resident Rockabilly. Only predecessors Pedro Morales and Randy Savage even come close. 

The Honky Tonk Man reigned from June 1987, after upending Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat and held on for dear life until Summerslam 1988 where he was unceremoniously throttled by the Ultimate Warrior in 28 seconds.

While the remainder of his WWE career may be considered less than Hall of Fame worthy, there's no denying that his run as Intercontinental Champion is still unmatched. Which begs the question, if he still holds a record this admirable after more than 25 years, why hasn't he gotten in yet?

Besides, if there's one thing that WWE and TNA fans alike can agree on, is that there's nothing quite like the ol' Acoustic Equalizer, when that guitar splinters over some poor schmuck's mug.

RICK "THE MODEL" MARTEL

A three-time WWE Tag Team Champion and World Champion in just about every regional territory that included a two-year run atop AWA, Rick Martel was another one of those in the age of fantastic characters that could pull you in and make you believe everything in the essence of his gimmick.

After capturing the tag team titles with 2004 Hall of Fame Inductee Tito Santana, Martel branched off and became "The Model". Martel's new character gained recognition as a self-centered narcissist and even went as far as to introduce his own fictional line of cologne called Arrogance. It would play an integral factor in his five-month feud and ultimately the Blindfold Match with Jake "The Snake" Roberts at Wrestlemania VII. 

Martel lasted an impressive 53 minutes (a then-record) in the 1991 Royal Rumble and later went on to feuds with Tatanka and Shawn Michaels and even maintained a spot in the Intercontinental Championship hunt until his departure from WWF in 1994. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

THE FABULOUS FREEBIRDS

If you were a wrestling fan living in Texas in the 1980s, odds were pretty good you were either a fan of the Von Erichs or the Freebirds. The reach of the Freebird Rule has already been discussed, with no fewer than 14 groups utilizing it when defending the tag team titles. The rule has even crossed over to the Intercontinental Title, The Women's Title, various Hardcore and X Division Titles. The mark they've left on the business is indelible. WWE should jump on this fast, as only P.S. and Jimmy Garvin remain.

PAUL HEYMAN

The Mad Scientist and the Architect of the Dangerous Alliance.

Over the course of his career, Heyman has managed three stables, all of whom either had been or would become tag team champions--most notably the Dudleyz, with more titles than one cares to count. As of Bully Ray's championship victory at TNA's last pay-per-view, Heyman's tally of world champions who have been in his employ has jumped to an astonishing 17. And whether you love him or you hate him, there are few who know their way around a microphone better. The ultimate in mouthpieces.

THE STEINER BROTHERS

WWF had the Hart Foundation, The Rockers and Demolition. AWA had the Road Warriors. WCW had The Steiner Brothers. Then they came to WWF...and they took over there too. Eventually Scott went solo and lost his damn mind, but he managed to snag a WCW World Championship along the way.

Will ANY of these suggestions get in to WWE's Hallowed Halls someday? Some are more likely than others. The only certainty is that they all belong there.

The Case for Antonio Cesaro

Well, the WWE Creative Team certainly has been busy lately, haven't they?

For their biggest show of the year, they've constructed the following:

-A WWE Championship Match that's a rematch from last year's main event, but with a belt.

-A rematch from Summerslam that brought Triple H out of semi-retirement for a Career Threatening Match.

-A World Title match that was founded on a hot-button political issue that has since fizzled out into nothing more than another set-up for Rock-Cena Part II.

-Another match for the Undertaker to win. Admittedly, this one still has me interested somewhat, because the possibility of the End of the Streak is always there.

and the undercard--

-Chris Jericho and Guy who's never wrestled a match on WWE TV #1 in I'm guessing a Dancing With The Stars-inspired seven minute match.

-Ryback and Mark Henry in the inevitable "Big Guy vs. Big Guy" match.

-The Shield vs. Three more Main Eventers haphazardly thrown together and called a "team".

-Team Hell No defending the tag titles against Dolph Ziggler (who ought to have been in the Main Event by now) and Guy who's never wrestled a match on WWE TV #2.

and as we've learned in the last 48 hours...

-Wade Barrett will defend the Intercontinental Championship against The Miz and

-In the token 8-person tag team match, Brodus Clay, his cheerleaders and the Artist Formerly known as Tensai formerly known as Giant Bernard formerly known as A-Train formerly known as Albert formerly known as Prince Albert against Team Rhodes Scholars and The Bella Twins.

My issues with where Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow fell on the card is an article for another day. My main problem is with who isn't on this card at all--

WHERE IS ANTONIO CESARO?

Here's the facts:

Since winning the title at Summerslam, Cesaro is the longest reigning current champion in WWE, has become the longest reigning United States Champion of the last four years and is among the 15 longest reigning U.S. Champions ever.

EVER.

By the time Wrestlemania arrives, Cesaro will have eclipsed the marks of names like Valentine, Slaughter and Snuka, finding himself in the company of the top ten longest reigns of all time, including MVP, Rude, Windham and yes, even Flair.

And yet, here we are. Less than 2 weeks away from The Grandest Stage of them All and Cesaro is on the short-list of superstars with no plans for April 7. In the event that Vince and Creative DOES choose to book     the Swiss Superman in a match at Mania, here's who could be on the horizon for the thus far ignored United States Champion:



KOFI KINGSTON

Probability: Pretty Good. The depths of the roster have been fairly well plumbed, present subject excluded, and whether you're a fan or not, there's no denying that Kofi Kingston is always good for an entertaining 10-15 minute match. Kingston has had a spot on the card at every Mania since his debut (that includes his participation in the battle royal at Wrestlemania 24 to determine who challenged the ECW Champion) and has made some sort of impression in each one, whether fashioning stilts from a broken ladder or coming to bat for Teddy Long last year. If Cesaro gets a match, Kofi seems the most logical opponent.



R-TRUTH

Probability: Decent. R-Truth was looking like a legitimate threat to Cesaro's United States Championship late last year, that is until Cesaro sliced Truth's knee open on the ring steps and threw everything off the rails. After a month or so of precautionary inaction, Truth is back in the midst of the mid-card and serves as a plausible opponent at Mania. Could he leave with the belt? It would take a lot of doing, but as long as he could keep from being grounded by Cesaro's power game, the title could be shifting possession.




CHRISTIAN

Probability: Long Shot. Christian has been medically cleared to return to action. Yeah. You probably didn't hear anything about it because of those infamous five words: "Creative has nothing for you". Basically Captain Charisma hasn't returned to WWE TV because they can't think of a way to write him back in. Well....it looks like Cesaro needs an opponent for Wrestlemania. And as I recall, before Christian departed, he was about to start up a program with Cesaro. What better time than now?




ZACK RYDER

Probability: Don't Count On It. Let's address the elephant in the online chat room, as it were. Zack Ryder wants a renewed push and to be used more effectively on WWE Television, but he's going about it the wrong way. Being passive-aggressive on Twitter and emblazoning a big red button labeled "PUSH ME" on his trunks isn't going to get the job done. However, the one thing Ryder has going in his favor is Home Field Advantage. In short, Ryder could take a bus from home to Wrestlemania and as a result, a majority of his fan base will likely be in attendance. At times, Vince is a sucker for a feel-good storyline that will send the fans home happy and this would make for a good "rising from the ashes" story. The question is, does the boss want to roll the dice a second time on the Long Island Iced Z?



MULTIPLE OPPONENTS OR A PRE-SHOW BATTLE ROYAL

Probability: Practically Guaranteed. Let's be honest. The YouTube Pre-Show extending to one hour is no accident. There's likely to be more than one match featured and a Battle Royal could easily be one of them. There's plenty of undercarders who want recognition as much as the next guy and this will probably be their opportunity. Expect one of the above four to emerge the victor and go on to challenge Cesaro when the show goes on. A Triple Threat or Fatal Four Way featuring any or all of the aforementioned participants isn't entirely out of the question either.

So long as Cesaro gets a match, I don't have a complaint. But to overlook one of WWE's hottest prospects of the last year and his already impressive reign as United States Champion is nothing short of....what's the best choice of word here?....

In GERMAN? Unerhört

In FRENCH? Scandaleux.

In ITALIAN? Atroce.

In SWISS? Empörend.

In ENGLISH?

Outrageous.

-TSR

Wrestlemania 29: What's right, what's wrong, what to expect and what Vince could be planning

The Showcase of the Immortals.

The Granddaddy of 'em All.

The Grandest Stage of Them All.

You know how it goes....Whether you're a fan or follower of WWE or not, there's no denying that Wrestlemania has every professional wrestling fan's attention every year around the same time. And lo and behold, the time has come again.

With that said, there may be an underlying theme to this year's Spring Classic that could produce another moniker:

The Fantastic Four.

Brief History Lesson #1: In 1992, Wrestlemania VIII went to the Indianapolis Hoosier Dome on the billing of a "Double Main Event". That night, the then-WWF prided itself on TWO blockbuster contests set up to carry the show: Randy Savage and Ric Flair for the belt, and a grudge match between Hulk Hogan and Sid Justice.

Since the World Heavyweight Championship was re-introduced in the Fall of 2002, Vince and company have flirted with pushing that main event number to four. And in certain years--

2003 (One could argue the number was five), 2004 and 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2012, he has succeeded.

These cards usually consist of the two World Championship matches, the perennial challenge to The Undertaker's vaunted "Streak" and another grudge match with deep-seeded personal roots. This year's spectacle is no different, and once again the number is four.

In the headline, we once again find The Rock and John Cena, this time for the WWE Championship. The World Championship will be defended by a very game Alberto Del Rio against a defiant, almost zealot-like challenger in Jack Swagger. CM Punk is the brave soul who has dared to challenge The Streak this year and  Triple H has earned his return match with Brock Lesnar from Summerslam under No Holds Barred rules. The rub is that there's a LOT more than pride on the line in the rematch.

A fine marquee, to be sure. But the number four might run a lot deeper than just the number of main events this year. Anyone who has followed Vince McMahon long enough knows that when the lights are on bright, he's the kind of guy that likes to push the envelope and do things that haven't been done before. What better way to make history than to make sure that this is the first Wrestlemania to feature FOUR World Title defenses.

Yeah, you read that right.

Currently, two World Title matches are scheduled, but I can't help but shake the feeling that Mr. McMahon has an ace up his sleeve that he's being VERY careful not to show anyone. I've made my best effort to try to prognosticate what the Wrestlemania card might look like in a little under three weeks and this is what I've come up with.

YouTube Pre-Show:

Word is that the regular 30-minute pre-show available for download will be extended to a full sixty minutes and may or may not have a bearing on matches that are taking place later on in the pay-per-view. The prolonged time frame leads me to believe that there will be two contests prior to the main show rather than the usual one, which brings me to my first prediction.

Chris Jericho versus Fandango

Analysis: For the record, I LOVE the Fandango character and was really getting into the gimmick of him putting off his debut--that is until it went into its third week. The only explanation for this match being pitched is among the flimsiest of excuses and that would be Jericho's "Dancing With The Stars" connection. Jericho deserves better than a booking against a thus-far unproven Johnny Curtis, let alone on what could be WWE's largest stage in six years. I'm not convinced that Vince doesn't have his finger hovering over the "Abandon Gimmick" button or if he hasn't pushed it already.

Should they decide to go forward with this match (and at long last it looks like they might), the dodging will continue. Jericho might rough him up for a couple of minutes after the bell, but it will ultimately end as all other Fandango encounters have in recent weeks, with the company's resident ballroom dancer walking away.

Winner: Chris Jericho by Count Out

I don't like it either, but I think Mr. McMahon has given up on the gimmick. I'll need to see more than what I'm seeing lately to believe otherwise.

WWE Tag Team Championships: Team Hell No versus Dolph Ziggler and Big E Langston

Analysis: I'm not a fan of how this one was set up either. The team of Kane and Daniel Bryan was established on the principle of just how dysfunctional they were and that they succeeded in spite of that. But the logical culmination would have been a subsequent self-destruction in time for Wrestlemania season leading to a match between the two, not another procedural, by-the-numbers title defense. Big E Langston is another one (much like Fandango) that WWE has been sitting on for months and doing nothing constructive with him. Now, because it's Wrestlemania, suddenly he has a match on the Grand Stage, for a title, nonetheless.

In any case, Team Hell No will lose the titles sooner rather than later, just not at Mania. As has been the case since what should have been a career-defining victory over John Cena at TLC, Dolph will take the fall here. It won't matter in the long run, though. As the blue briefcase indicates, Ziggler will have bigger fish to fry on this night.

Winners and STILL Tag Team Champions: Team Hell No

The tag titles will close out the pre-show which will bring us to the Main Event--so to speak. As with every year, Vince will want to open the show strong with one of the four advertised blockbusters. Which means the curtain-jerker will be--

World Heavyweight Championship: Alberto Del Rio versus Jack Swagger

Analysis: I had my doubts about this match when the bracket was set at Elimination Chamber, but it very quickly gained steam and within the following week, more people were talking about this World title match than the one WWE brass wanted them to focus on (Cena-Rock II). From the brilliantly-timed introduction of Zeb Coulter, to the external attention that Glenn Beck drew on himself for criticizing the angle, to Swagger's DUI throwing the match into uncertainty to Del Rio's impassioned promo against Swagger and Coulter's acidic rhetoric, this storyline had everyone talking. The buzz cooled off when ADR and Ricardo Rodriguez started cutting their own taped parodies to Coulter's rants, but Monday night helped stoke the fire again as Swagger (kayfabe) broke Ricardo's ankle with the Patriot Act Ankle Lock. This will fuel what is by now an emotionally-charged contest (for both participant and viewer) to be a fantastic match and motivate Del Rio to reach down deep and give Swagger everything he's got en route to a successful title defense.

Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Alberto Del Rio

The euphoria will be short-lived, however, as Swagger won't take the defeat graciously. With Ricardo incapacitated, an exhaustive match will leave Del Rio defenseless against an incensed Swagger and, in an ironic twist of fate, it's Swagger's former tag team partner that will reap the rewards.

World Heavyweight Championship: Alberto Del Rio versus Dolph Ziggler

Analysis: With little to nothing left from the grueling battle with Swagger, Del Rio will fall easy prey to a fresh Ziggler when after nine months, Dolph will finally surrender the briefcase to which he's been doggedly clinging. A Zig Zag later, and the Show Off will become a 2-time World Heavyweight Champion.

Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Dolph Ziggler

Even though it's one of the most sloppily put-together matches on the card (not including the pre-show), The six-man tag match has the potential to create something certain fans have been waiting for over three years.

Randy Orton, Sheamus and The Big Show versus The Shield

Analysis: Excluding dark matches, The Shield have not lost a match since their premiere in November. That trend will continue, but not for reasons you might think. Granted, The Shield has a decided advantage due to the existing animosity between Sheamus and The Big Show, not to mention Randy Orton's inability to function as part of a unit and THAT's what will ultimately give The Shield the duke. Look for Orton's dark side to rear its ugly head at the most critical juncture of the match and drop Sheamus with an RKO before walking out on this already tenuous faction.

Winners: The Shield

The fans will need a few minutes to decompress from the excitement of the World Title shake-up before jumping into the next main event, so enter Mania's first five-minute slot-filler--

Kaitlyn, The Funkadactyls and Maria Menuounos versus Layla, Tamina and The Bella Twins

Analysis: Ugh....Yeah, there's actually talk that they'll invite her back for another pointless match. Let's face it, since Beth Phoenix and Eve left, the Diva's Division (or what remains of it) has become a joke. Kaitlyn is practically the best they have now because their actual wrestlers are jobbing to Layla or dancing with The Great Khali and Hornswoggle.

The rule of thumb is that unless you're wrestling against Andre The Giant in a Battle Royal, the celebrity is going to have a pretty good time if they're competing at Wrestlemania. Expect a Kaitlyn spear to either Tamina or one of the Bellas followed by a haphazard cover by Menuounos so she can get credit for the pin.

Winners: Expendable Diva's Team #1 featuring Celebrity

Somewhere in the midst of the card, Dolph Ziggler will be celebrating his conquest and will seek to settle unfinished business. Wanting to silence one of his biggest challengers once and for all. Ziggler's bravado will prevail and he'll actively seek out Chris Jericho, who, will unquestionably be feeling slighted from his almost-match during the pre-show and will leap at the opportunity to prove he can "Win The Big One at the Big One". I apologize, but I simply cannot divorce myself from the feeling that this match should be happening. Ziggler's promo from last summer keeps ringing in my ears.

Onto the next one--

No Holds Barred: Triple H versus Brock Lesnar

Analysis: Ok. For the most part, this match was a foregone conclusion:

1. Brock Lesnar wins at Summerslam
2. Spirit broken, Triple H takes self-imposed sabbatical to examine his ability.
3. Spirit renewed by attack on Vince, Triple H returns to exact vengeance.
4. Triple H returns to Wrestlemania and puts Lesnar down emphatically.

But an intriguing wrinkle was added to the dynamic on Monday night. Namely, Hunter's career being putting on the line.

Has Triple H "resigned" himself to his corporate position already? Or does he feel that he still has something to prove by defeating the one man he's crossed paths with that he can't claim a victory over yet? Regardless of the outcome, this match will be every bit as brutal as Lesnar's demeanor suggests.The Game may be left with no choice but to retire after getting through this match, but he'll do it on his terms, finishing on top.

Winner: Triple H

One of the most frustrating aspects of storyline development this past year was trying to find a suitable opponent for Ryback so the match would last longer than 30 seconds. Even when jobbing to CM Punk and The Shield, Ryback was still the odds-on-favorite each and every time. Admittedly, I was getting excited for the prospect of them matching Ryback against The Big Show and seeing if he could manage to get Big Show on his shoulders. It's not the match I was originally hoping for, but it looks like they've finally succeeded in finding a challenge.

Ryback versus Mark Henry

Analysis: Unsurprisingly, Mark Henry has a distinct size, and perhaps even strength advantage over WWE's human wrecking ball. However, Ryback hasn't won a high-profile match since September. He's long overdue for one, even by normal standards. After a hard-fought battle, look for Ryback to somehow, some way, hoist the monstrous World's Strongest Man onto his shoulders and drill him with Shell Shock for the impressive victory.

Winner: Ryback

This will feed into the third World title match of the evening--

World Heavyweight Championship: Dolph Ziggler versus Chris Jericho

Analysis: This is the World Title match that the WWE Universe deserves. Will it happen? Probably not. This match would serve as a proving ground for both men. For Ziggler, it's a platform to demonstrate that he's not just another transitional champion and that he can actually hold his own as champion against an established entity. For Jericho, it's an opportunity to prove that he hasn't lost his stride. That despite all of his time away, he can come back, main event, steal the show and deliver when it counts. If presented with the chance, both would pass with flying colors, but Ziggler would need the victory more on this night. Expect a valiant outing from Jericho, but Dolph escapes with the gold.

Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Dolph Ziggler

Alright. I've spent the most time weighing the possibilities of the next match, and the prediction is no less controversial for it.

Respect vs. Streak: CM Punk versus The Undertaker

Analysis: The Undertaker's time is limited. That's just a fact. Any other year, this would be the safest bet one could make on Wrestlemania, but there's just something about the underlying themes and circumstances of this year.

For 434 days, CM Punk was the standard-bearer for the company and since the original "Pipe Bomb" in 2011 is easily one of the most, if not THE most talked-about WWE superstar on a weekly basis. The Undertaker has been the most iconic figure in WWE for the better part of 25 years now. But his legendary status has come with a price tag. Namely, only appearing for one match per year (by the way, Triple H is looking at real estate in that neighborhood).

Taker's legacy supposedly hinges on "20-0" and granted, it's a more than impressive feat and will likely never be matched again. And sure, maybe Paul Bearer's passing will serve as motivation for his victory, but I see something else at work here.

Since he started getting higher levels of recognition, Punk has heralded himself as "The Best In The World" and he certainly has the credentials. World Champion. ECW Champion. Intercontinental Champion. Tag Team Champion. The longest reigning WWE Champion of the last 25 years. And yes, controversial finish aside, the only man on record to make The Undertaker tap out.

While the source may be in question, the inside scoop is that when WWE brass approached The Undertaker about potential challengers at Wrestlemania on the heels of the Royal Rumble, Taker brought up one name and said he wanted him to be the man that ended The Streak. WWE Creative didn't want the Streak to be broken, which may have attributed to Taker's Wrestlemania status being thrown into question last month.

So does Vince McMahon respect the wishes of the man that has served his company longer than any other tenured WWE superstar past or present? Or will he instead turn to the creative team that has been so plagued by problems lately, that certain heads of the department have been dismissed?

Paul Bearer's gone. 20-1 is definitely nothing to be ashamed of, and Taker is a surefire first ballot Hall of Famer at Wrestlemania XXX next year. Can't you just feel it? When the smoke clears, I just feel that CM Punk will NOT Rest In Peace, but the Streak WILL GO TO SLEEP. Expect Taker to ride off into the sunset with one final heartfelt salute to Paul Bearer before passing the torch to Punk.

Winner: CM Punk

After that emotionally exhausting match, the fans will need a breather before Rock-Cena II. Enter slot-filler #2--

Wade Barrett, Antonio Cesaro, Rhodes Scholars and Primetime Players versus The Miz, Kofi Kingston, R-Truth, Brodus Clay, Tensai and Christian

Analysis: Here's a fun fact--Antonio Cesaro has held the Star Spangled strap longer than any other current title-holder on the roster. Yes, that includes Kane and Daniel Bryan who've been the de facto tag champions since September.

Since disposing of Santino Marella in impressive fashion at Summerslam, no one has been able to wrestle the U.S. title away from the Swiss Superman's clutches. You'd think he'd have a match at Wrestlemania, right?

Hold that thought.

With two weeks remaining until Mania, big names like the ones you see above you still have no plans for April 7. Unfortunately, the most deserving among them (Barrett, Cesaro, Miz, Rhodes and Sandow) will likely be relegated to the annual "Team Teddy v. Team Johnny" train wreck that creative books when they can't think of how to use a handful of superstars.

Miz' team will be a man short going into the Show of Shows, so expect a medically-cleared Christian to make his return here shortly and pick up where he left off. Remember, Christian was in the midst of a feud with Cesaro when he suffered yet another setback. A Cesaro-Christian program could be on the horizon, if Captain Charisma can only stay healthy. The match will likely end after about five, ten minutes when Miz puts away Darren Young. Expect a long, drawn out Brodus Clay dance routine after the match, too...

Winners: Team Miz

And last, but not least....

WWE Championship: The Rock versus John Cena

Analysis: There's really no sense in spending much time on this one. Everything has already been said. Cena wants redemption and he's going to get it. And since all former champions get a rematch clause--brace yourselves for Rock-Cena III at Extreme Rules in May. I don't like it any more than you do, but it's happening. At least it'll be the last one.

The question is how they plan to do it. The higher-ups have already said that they're prepared for Cena to get booed out of the building, so why not turn a negative into a positive?

Brief History Lesson #2: Remember 2001? That was the last time the Rock was featured in the title hunt at Wrestlemania. His opponent was a guy who was considered the universally beloved cash cow of the company. His name was Stone Cold Steve Austin. Remember what happened then? Austin proceeded to "sell his soul to the Devil" when he aligned himself with Mr. McMahon. The next few months raised some eyebrows as WCW and ECW went on to invade the company and it all culminated in what is still considered one of the best main events in Survivor Series history.

Now while the "Universally Beloved" label may no longer apply, John Cena is still most definitely the cash cow. Giving fans the most anticipated heel turn since Hollywood Hogan would be just the exclamation point that Wrestlemania 29 needs. But then again, I could be giving the Creative Team just a LITTLE too much credit.

I guess we'll find out in a couple of Sundays.