*** Elimination Chamber - World Heavyweight Championship
-- 15 points for correct winner
Choices: John Cena, Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio, Chris Jericho, Mike Knox, Kane, or No Contest
My Prediction: John Cena
*** Elimination Chamber - WWE Championship
-- 15 points for correct winner
Choices: Edge, Undertaker, Big Show, Triple H, Vladimir Kozlov, Jeff Hardy, or No Contest
My Prediction: Edge
*** Match for the ECW Championship Finlay vs. Jack Swagger (c)
-- 15 points for correct winner + 2 points for correct finish (bonus 2 points for correct winner & finish)
Choices: Finlay, Jack Swagger, or No Contest Finishes: Pinfall, Submission, KO / Referee Stoppage, DQ, Count-out, or No Contest
My Prediction: Jack Swagger, Pinfall
*** Randy Orton vs Shane McMahon, No Holds Barred
-- 15 points for correct winner
Choices: Randy Orton, Shane McMahon, or No Contest
My Prediction: Randy Orton
*** Shawn Michaels vs. JBL
-- 15 points for correct winner + 2 points for correct finish (bonus 2 points for correct winner & finish) + 2 points for interference
Choices: Shawn Michaels, JBL, or No Contest Finishes: Pinfall, Submission, KO / Referee Stoppage, DQ, Count-out, or No Contest Interference: Yes or No
My Prediction: Shawn Michaels, Pinfall, No - no interference
*** Will Stephanie McMahon attack or be attacked by Shane McMahon during the PPV?
-- 10 points for correct answer
Choices: Yes No
My Prediction: Yes
*** Will Christian make an appearance during the ECW Championship match?
-- 10 points for correct answer
Choices: Yes No
My Prediction: No
*** Who will eliminate The Undertaker during the WWE Championship match?
-- 10 points for correct answer
Choices: Edge Big Show Triple H Vladimir Kozlov Jeff Hardy He will not be eliminated from the match
My Prediction: Big Show
*** Will John Cena score the most eliminations of anyone in either Elimination Chamber match?
-- 10 points for correct answer
Choices: Yes No There will be a tie
My Prediction: There will be a tie
*** Who will be the first man eliminated from the World Heavyweight Championship match?
-- 10 points for correct answer
Choices: John Cena Kofi Kingston Rey Mysterio Chris Jericho Mike Knox Kane
My Prediction: Mike Knox
*** Who will be the last man eliminated from the World Heavyweight Championship match?
-- 10 points for correct answer
Choices: John Cena Kofi Kingston Rey Mysterio Chris Jericho Mike Knox Kane
My Prediction: Chris Jericho
*** Who will be the first man eliminated from the WWE Championship match?
-- 10 points for correct answer
Choices: Edge Undertaker Big Show Triple H Vladimir Kozlov Jeff Hardy
My Prediction: Undertaker
*** Who will be the last man eliminated from the WWE Championship match?
-- 10 points for correct answer
Choices: Edge Undertaker Big Show Triple H Vladimir Kozlov Jeff Hardy
My Prediction: Triple H
*** How many titles will change hands at No Way Out?
-- 5 points for correct answer
Choices: None 1 2 3 or more
My Prediction: None
*** Which match will be the final match of the PPV?
-- 5 points for correct answer
Choices: The World Heavyweight Championship Match The WWE Championship Match The ECW Championship Match A different match
My Prediction: The World Heavyweight Championship Match
"I'll fight forever! I won't surrender! And I will always...HUNT...YOU....DOWN!" -- Josey Scott, Saliva Frontman, on "Hunt You Down", 2009 No Way Out Theme Song
Just 5 matches on the No Way Out card this year, but there are the 2 elimination chamber matches for the big 2 singles titles, and that one is pretty unpredictable, because the draw could help dictate the outcome.
WWE Championship: Even though Edge flattened out Big Show with a spear at the previous Smackdown, I still see those two working together to eliminate their opponents, especially The Undertaker. Matt Hardy could also play a role in sneaking into the chamber and dishing out some damage to his "outcasted" brother, Jeff. This will also be Vladimir Kozlov's debut in the Elimination Chamber, so it'll be interesting to see how much endurance he has being trapped in 16 tons of steel. I do think Edge will come out 5th or last, though, and by then, his top adversaries could be weak enough for him to finish them off with a good Spear, and hold the title going to Wrestlemania; either finishing off Triple H or Big Show last.
World Heavyweight Championship: This one is probably the more unpredictable of the two elimination chamber matches; and this one could be affected by the draw. I do think Kane & Mike Knox will target Rey Mysterio & Kofi Kingston first, then, if they're still around, help Chris Jericho go after John Cena. Anyone who was in L.A. for last Friday's house show saw Cena & Jericho battle it out in a steel cage, but they'll recover fully for this (see photo gallery). Still, I see John Cena dig deep to retain the title, and potentially setting up another Cena v. Orton main event at Wrestlemania.
Speaking of Randy Orton, he could have the upper hand on Shane McMahon in the No Holds Barred match, especially since Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase, Jr. won't be far off and have a say in this match. Although this one is likely to be brutal whatever the outcome, I see Randy Orton making a statement here, finishing with a vicious RKO or a Legacy-aided Punt. Stephanie McMahon could have a say in this too, but who knows--you just don't really know in the WWE.
I don't think the bulk of the WWE Universe will want to see JBL own the HBK "franchise"--it just wouldn't go well with Triple H. I think this one will also be long and brutal, but I think HBK will dig deep, and reverse a Clothesline from Hell into Sweet Chin Music to win the match. Besides, Houston, TX needs HBK in his full glory.
Finlay may be a suitable opponent for Jack Swagger for the ECW Championship, and he and Hornswoggle may have an ace or two up their sleeves, but I think Jack Swagger will overcome that, and any possible distractions from Christian to finish the Belfast Brawler with his finisher and retain. Finlay or Christian would be a suitable Wrestlemania opponent for him; and the most likely spot for a new ECW Champion with either of the two.
Other possibilities:
* If a Diva is chosen to "spend time" with Hugh Hefner, then let it be Kelly Kelly.
* Mickey Rourke, star of "The Wrestler", could get involved into a Wrestlemania match, but I see that very unlikely. I would like to see a Texas-based celebrity get involved, though.
I would say more, but that is all for this blog. Gotta wait for my opportunity to purchase tickets for 2009 Summerslam right here in Los Angeles. "Click! Click! BOOM!"
UPDATE: Score! Lower level seats for Summerslam scored! Good enough to be on TV...boy!
Choices: Triple H, Big Show, Vladimir Kozlov, Shelton Benjamin, Undertaker, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, The Miz, John Morrison, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase Jr, Santino Marella, Kane, R-Truth, Carlito, The Brian Kendrick, Finlay, Mark Henry, CM Punk, The Great Khali, Chavo Guerrero, Mystery Wrestler, or No Contest
My Prediction: Mystery Wrestler
*** Match for the WWE Championship Edge vs. Jeff Hardy (c)
-- 15 points for correct winner + 2 points for correct finish (bonus 2 points for correct winner & finish) + 2 points for interference
Choices: Edge, Jeff Hardy, or No Contest Finishes: Pinfall, Submission, KO / Referee Stoppage, DQ, Count-out, or No Contest Interference: Yes or No
My Prediction: Edge, Pinfall, Yes - interference
*** Match for the World Heavyweight Championship JBL vs. John Cena (c)
-- 15 points for correct winner + 3 points for correct finish (bonus 3 points for correct winner & finish) + 3 points for interference
Choices: JBL, John Cena, or No Contest Finishes: Pinfall, Submission, KO / Referee Stoppage, DQ, Count-out, or No Contest Interference: Yes or No
My Prediction: JBL, Pinfall, Yes - interference
*** Match for the ECW Championship Matt Hardy vs. Jack Swagger (c)
-- 15 points for correct winner + 2 points for correct finish (bonus 2 points for correct winner & finish) + 2 points for interference
Choices: Matt Hardy, Jack Swagger, or No Contest Finishes: Pinfall, Submission, KO / Referee Stoppage, DQ, Count-out, or No Contest Interference: Yes or No
My Prediction: Jack Swagger, Pinfall, No - no interference
*** Match for the Women's Championship Melina vs. Beth Phoenix (c)
-- 10 points for correct winner + 2 points for correct finish (bonus 2 points for correct winner & finish) + 2 points for interference
Choices: Melina, Beth Phoenix, or No Contest Finishes: Pinfall, Submission, KO / Referee Stoppage, DQ, Count-out, or No Contest Interference: Yes or No
My Prediction: Beth Phoenix, Pinfall, Yes - interference
*** Rumble: Who will be the first person eliminated from the match?
-- 10 points for correct answer
Choices: Big Show Carlito Chavo Guerrero Chris Jericho CM Punk Cody Rhodes Finlay John Morrison Kane Kofi Kingston Mark Henry Mystery Wrestler R-Truth Randy Orton Rey Mysterio Santino Marella Shelton Benjamin Ted DiBiase Jr The Brian Kendrick The Great Khali The Miz Triple H Undertaker Vladimir Kozlov
My Prediction: Santino Marella
*** Rumble: Who will score the most eliminations?
-- 7 points for correct answer
Choices: Big Show Chris Jericho Finlay Kane Mark Henry Randy Orton Triple H Undertaker Vladimir Kozlov Anyone else, or there will be a tie
My Prediction: Anyone else, or there will be a tie
*** Rumble: Will either the first or second entrant into the Rumble match be a part of the final four?
-- 7 points for correct answer
Choices: Yes, both men will be a part of the final four Yes, one of the two men will be a part of the final four No
My Prediction: No
*** Rumble: Will Santino last at least a minute in the match before being eliminated?
-- 7 points for correct answer
Choices: Yes No
My Prediction: No
*** Rumble: Who will eliminate The Undertaker?
-- 7 points for correct answer
Choices: Big Show Chris Jericho Cody Rhodes John Morrison Kane Randy Orton Triple H Vladimir Kozlov Anyone else, or multiple people eliminate him together No one, he will win the Rumble
My Prediction: Big Show
*** Rumble: Who will eliminate Chris Jericho?
-- 7 points for correct answer
Choices: CM Punk Finlay Kane Kofi Kingston R-Truth Randy Orton Rey Mysterio Triple H Anyone else, or multiple people eliminate him together No one, he will win the Rumble
My Prediction: Anyone else, or multiple people eliminate him together
*** Rumble: Will Shawn Michaels take part in the match?
-- 7 points for correct answer
Choices: Yes, and he will win the match Yes, and he will not win the match No
My Prediction: Yes, and he will not win the match
*** Will Shawn Michaels get physically involved in the World Heavyweight Championship match?
-- 8 points for correct answer
Choices: Yes, he will get physically involved with John Cena Yes, he will get physically involved with JBL Yes, he will get physically involved with the referee Yes, he will get physically involved with John Cena and JBL Yes, he will get physically involved with the referee and John Cena and/or JBL He will not get physically involved with either man
My Prediction: Yes, he will get physically involved with John Cena and JBL
*** Will Christian and/or Rob Van Dam make an appearance at the PPV?
-- 8 points for correct answer
Choices: Yes, Christian will make an appearance No, neither man will make an appearance Yes, Rob Van Dam will make an appearance Yes, both Christian and Rob Van Dam will make an appearance
My Prediction: Yes, both Christian and Rob Van Dam will make an appearance
*** How many titles will change hands at Royal Rumble?
-- 5 points for correct answer
Choices: None 1 2 3 or more
My Prediction: 2
*** Which match will be the final match of the PPV?
-- 5 points for correct answer
Choices: The Royal Rumble Match The WWE Championship Match The World Heavyweight Championship Match A different match
My Prediction: The Royal Rumble Match
This may be one of the toughest, if not, the toughest PPV card to predict in awhile, as I see three of the four title matches as a "Pick Em because it's too unpredictable". In those three title matches, expect some sort of outside interference, either tipping the scales in one wrestler's favor, or causing a No Contest or DQ. I'll call them X-Factors, because they are simply that.
X-Factor for the WWE Championship may be the one who has been attacking Jeff Hardy in one form or another the last few months. It all started at the morning before the 2008 Survivor Series, when he was found having collapsed in the hotel he was staying on. Even though he won the belt at Armageddon, he got in a car accident, then a pyrotechnics accident. If it is Edge, then it makes this one a very hot feud. If not, look for him to start a feud with that attacker. Either way, I see Edge winning the belt.
X-Factor for the World Heavyweight Championship will be, who else, Shawn Michaels. Employed by JBL, he may be "ordered" to try to interfere in the match when the referee is distracted by Layfield. This could lead to at least one Sweet Chin Music being played out, either flattening one or both of them. This is probably the most unpredictable title match on the card, but my slight edge here goes to John Bradshaw Layfield.
Another obvious X-Factor comes from the Women's Championship in the form of--you guessed it--Rosa Mendes. As an "intern" for Glamarella, even though Beth Phoenix has told them that she doesn't need their help in her fight against Melina, there is no denying the fact that all three of them "hate" The Papparazzi Princess. Either way, Beth has the momentum and her power game against Melina, and some distraction from Santino and/or Rosa could open her opponent up for a Glam Slam to remain today's most dominant WWE Diva.
I see Jack Swagger retaining his title against Matt Hardy, allowing Finlay and Tommy Dreamer to take their shots against him. For the Royal Rumble match, I believe there are plenty of sentimental choices here: Randy Orton, Triple H, Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker, New IC Champion CM Punk, Matt Hardy, and, if he gets in, Shawn Michaels. It will come down to the draw, especially when it comes to mystery wrestlers, and who comes out at #30, which we found out was a gigantic surprise in John Cena last year. It won't be surprising, to me, then, if it's Mmmmrrrr....Kennedy! ....Kennedy!
This is a rough list of whom I think could be the successors to the current champions as 2008 comes to a close, and could be the first to cause title changes in 2009.
WWE CHAMPION - CURRENTLY JEFF HARDY
Edge - Probably one of the most likely choices here. He and Vickie always find a way to do it.
Triple H - To me, the 2nd most likely prospect. He had a great 2008 run, and though he didn't get the Slammy for Superstar of the Year, he did get the fans' choice courtesy of WWE Magazine. If The Game does get back on top, I see it happening at Wrestlemania 25.
Vladimir Kozlov - Can anyone beat The Moscow Mauler in singles competition? We'll find out in '09.
Earliest change? No Way Out or Wrestlemania 25.
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION - CURRENTLY JOHN CENA
Randy Orton - My choice to win the Fatal 4-Way for the #1 Contender slot on the final Raw of 2008. He and Cena have a long history between them, and he's certainly hungry for a title now that he has help from "The Legacy" and a will to Punt Cena.
Chris Jericho - Certainly another candidate and he'll do whatever it takes to get back on top.....again.
JBL - With Shawn Michaels' help, he'll also do what he can do to get the belt. They don't call him "A Wrestling God" with money for a reason.
Earliest Change? Royal Rumble.
ECW CHAMPION - CURRENTLY MATT HARDY
Mark Henry - He'll certainly want this belt back, but both Matt & Finlay are key obstacles, and he'll certainly have to work to get back on top.
Jack Swagger - Young talent who's certainly hungry for gold. Look for him to improve in '09.
Evan Bourne - When he does return from his ankle injury, I see a shower of Shooting Star Press-es coming. He definitely showed that he can wrestle with the finest in the WWE at No Mercy.
Earliest Change? Royal Rumble.
INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION - CURRENTLY WILLIAM REGAL
CM Punk - A very strong candidate who held the World Heavyweight Championship for a couple of months, and took Regal out in 10 seconds at Survivor Series. Even though he tapped to the Regal Stretch at the King of the Ring tourney, never count a man out who can "put people to sleep".
Rey Mysterio - He's a much of a survivor as he is a "Guerrero" (Latin Warrior). He always find a way to come out on top, and he's certainly due for gold.
Santino Marella - He may not be well skilled as a wrestler, but the funny man always finds his spot, and he has Beth Phoenix.
Earliest change? Before the Royal Rumble.
UNITED STATES CHAMPION - CURRENTLY SHELTON BENJAMIN
R-Truth - Give him more matches under his belt and he'll certainly be ready to hold at least this particular belt. This young talent can certainly get the crowd going with his rapping. "What's Up?"
Hurricane Helms - It may not happen early on in 2009, but Helms is no stranger to holding gold. At this point, he just need more time to shake off the ring rust.
MVP - He'll certainly want this belt back to say the least, but at this time, who knows.
Earliest change? Before Wrestlemania.
WOMEN'S CHAMPION - CURRENTLY BETH PHOENIX
Melina - Certainly the top candidate on Raw right now. While I don't see her being able to flip The Glamazon over, she's certainly no stranger to holding the belt, and she looks sharp right now.
Mickie James - Sentimental favorite to become a 5-time Women's Champion, but right now, she seems well out of the title hunt.
Kelly Kelly - Another sentimental choice. The young Diva certainly has aces up her sleeve. Question is, will she get a shot in '09?
Earliest change? Before Backlash, winner using a reversal pin.
DIVAS CHAMPION - CURRENTLY MARYSE
Maria - She didn't get into Michelle McCool's spine for a reason. She's as hungry for the belt as the former champion is. Problem is, she seems to be vulnerable to a strong submission hold, and the new French-Canadian champion has plenty of that.
Natalya - I thought she would be the next champion, but she's probably happy to see a fellow Canadian win. I do see her being the 3rd or 4th ever Divas Champion, but who knows when that will come.
Brie & Nikki Bella - If either of them gets it, does that mean the twins can hold the belt at the same time? Don't see it, but it would be fun.
Earliest change? Night of Champions. C'mon, Michelle had it for 5 months, and Maryse just won it.
Chances The Miz & John Morrison hold both Tag Team belts? Very likely.
Next Diva to pose for Playboy? Michelle McCool or Kelly Kelly.
Undertaker's Most Likely WM Opponent to try for 17-0? Vladimir Kozlov.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 11:18 AM PST
[General]
So. Cal. certainly had its share of WWE events in 2008, featuring the 2008 One Night Stand PPV in San Diego. With the year drawing to a close, I felt that it was time to look back on those regional live TV events, which I've seen live:
February 18 - Raw in Anaheim
The Raw after No Way Out. At this point in time, William Regal was still GM, Triple H was still on that brand, and Santino still had Maria. Good: Floyd Mayweather & Big Show set up their historic Wrestlemania 24 match, Maria earns her Playboy contract, & John Cena gets into the WWE Championship mix, beating Randy Orton to set up that Triple Threat match. Bad: Santino making Maria beat Beth Phoenix to earn her Playboy contract, Paul & Katie Lea Burchill making minced meat out of Super Crazy. Ugly: Mr. McMahon & JBL beating Hornswoggle into a pulp in a steel cage, and Finlay having to carry him out.
February 19 - ECW/Smackdown in San Diego
This one was the ECW/Smackdown show after No Way Out, and this one was pretty loaded. Good: Ric Flair appearing on ECW, where he and CM Punk put Elijah Burke & Shelton Benjamin in their place; culminating in Ric's classy Figure Four Leglock to finish ECW's main event. Kofi showing what he could do, earning an interview with then-commentator Joey Styles after his match with a local wrestler. Batista, fresh out of the elimination chamber, putting a beatdown on MVP. Kane manages to get out of the Khali Vise Grip and scores a win over The Great Khali. Bad: An injured Rey Mysterio having to compete against Chavo Guerrero, per Vickie's orders; then gets squished by The Big Show. Ugly: Big Daddy V putting a total beatdown on Shannon Moore.
June 1 - One Night Stand PPV in San Diego
This one was well worth the trip, as nothing beats a good summer show than a card full of Extreme Rules matches. Good: Jeff Hardy swantons Umaga from the top of the broadcast truck. Big Show pummels his Singapore Cane match opponents (this is also where Charger Shawn Merriman gave Chavo Guerrero a good whack with CM Punk's help). John Cena STFU's JBL with his dog tag chain. Batista ends his spring feud with HBK in a brutal stretcher match. Triple H breaks Randy Orton's collarbone and whacks him with a sledgehammer for good measure. Bad: None, really. The way Beth Phoenix finished off Melina with her improved submission hold was quite impressive in its own right. Ugly: Undertaker going through 4 tables at the end of the TLC match against Edge. Even to this day, I remember that one well. Michael Cole went "OMG!", and a good number of people, including myself, went "Holy ****!"
June 2 - Raw in Bakersfield
This one was worth the 2 1/2 hours trip over the San Jacinto Mountains (which are pretty much covered in snow today) to find Rabobank Arena. I had a good talk with some of the locals there, and the crowd there were pretty decent for such a relatively small arena. Heck, I was close enough to shake The Game's hand at the end of the show. Good: John Cena shows his strength to lift Jeff Hardy off the mat and into a FU to earn a shot at Triple H at Night of Champions. Mr. McMahon first announces details of his 3-show Million Dollar Mania. Bad: No money was given away at that show. Beth Phoenix & Katie Lea Burchill tears apart Mickie & Melina. Chris Jericho's turn from "saving us" to "saving himself" pretty much begins. Ugly: Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch's final split.
June 3 - ECW/Smackdown in Los Angeles
A good number of people were there early in the day for the Million Dollar Mania press conference held at Staples Center, where Mr. McMahon, a fellow WWE corporate executive, and a USA network executive had their say; along with Triple H, John Cena, and Maria. When it came time for the show, it was fully loaded with talent. Good: Teddy Long replaces Armando Estrada as ECW GM. CM Punk puts Chavo Guerrero "to sleep". Matt Hardy & Colin Delaney put Armando Estrada in his place. Finlay puts the beatdown on Chuck Palumbo in a no-dq match. Cousin Sal & Rowdy Roddy Piper put Santino in his place. Batista overcomes adversity and earns a shot at Edge's World Heavyweight Championship. Bad: Miz & Morrison ambushes Kane after his match with CM Punk. Edge, of course, boasts about him "banishing" The Undertaker with a champagne party. Ugly: The brutal beating the Divas took in their Golden Dreams match to determine one contender for the Divas Championship. Victoria & Michelle McCool had it worse when Natalya slammed both of them hard off the turnbuckle to earn her shot. Of course, Michelle McCool would eventually earn the other spot, then beat Natalya to make her own history.
October 13 - Raw in Anaheim
This show only had four matches on the card since Santino had a bone to pick with Johnny Knoxville later on, but they were high quality matches, and even though the Jamaican superstar didn't have a match that night, my Kofi Kingston sign still made the HD Titantron as one of the best signs of the night. There were plenty of really good signs there, too. One WWE Universe member used glitter to make her sign. A family of fans did airbrush images of Rey Mysterio and had floor seats to show them off. Good: CM Punk & Batista puts Chris Jericho in his place. Cryme Tyme & Kelly Kelly puts a "ducky" beatdown on Miz, Morrison, & Jillian when JTG uses the hockey mask of the Anaheim Ducks mascot to distract The Miz. Bad: JBL crushes "Haas Hogan". Kane & Mark Henry leaves Rey Mysterio & Matt Hardy "burning". Ugly: Johnny Knoxville gets a hard lesson about the WWE. Lesson 1: Don't mess with Beth Phoenix. Lesson 2: Don't mess with midgets like Hornswoggle. Lesson 3: Beware The Boogeyman & Big **** Johnson. Lesson 4: Never judge the size of The Great Khali's....manhood.
October 28 - ECW/Smackdown in San Diego
Another trip well worth it, as I had floor seats here. While my "Happy Halloween Hardys" sign didn't make the HD Titantron, it did make it on MyNetwork TV. Good: Undertaker puts Chavo Guerrero in a casket. Divas wrestling in their Halloween costumes, trading their heels for their wrestling boots (as needed). Rey Mysterio comes home, and teams with Matt & Jeff Hardy. Bad: Evan Bourne injures his ankle. Tommy Dreamer gets smothered by Jack Swagger. The Brian Kendrick & Ezekiel Jackson gives Jimmy Wang Yang a taste of city life. Ugly: Miz & Morrison takes trash with DX on The Dirt Sheet, then smothers The Colon Brothers on Smackdown.
There is no doubt in my mind that Triple H deserves this honor. Compared to the other nominees, he had the longest championship reign his year (7 months compared to Orton's 3 in 2008 and Edge's total of 6 months); overcame challenges from Orton, Cena, Edge, Khali, Jeff Hardy, The Brian Kendrick, MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and Vladimir Kozlov; and was only the recipient of Edge & Vickie's Boston Screwjob at Survivor Series. The draft move to Smackdown didn't hurt him that much, just gave him a new set of opponents. All the other nominees have their case, but make no mistake that The Game deserves this honor.
MATCH OF THE YEAR: RIC FLAIR V. SHAWN MICHAELS IN A CAREER THREATENING MATCH AT WRESTLEMANIA 24
Last year, I've said it many times that if Ric Flair was to have to retire from wrestling in the ring, then let it happen at Wrestlemania. This match was arguably the most entertaining of all the WM24 events, topping even The Undertaker putting Edge through Hell's Gate later that night, and the wild Money in the Bank match earlier that evening. The entire WWE Universe, of course, saw HBK moonsault onto the announcer's table, 2 Figure 4 leglocks, and 3 Sweet Chin Music, which also includes the last one that ended Ric's wrestling career. Of course, everyone will remember the post-match cheers for Ric Flair, and his farewell address the following Raw. One more "Woooo" for "The Man"!
DIVA OF THE YEAR: BETH PHOENIX
Last year, Candice Michelle received this honor because of her vastly improved ring skills that landed her her first Women's Championship. Beth Phoenix, this year, has shown why she's the most dominant diva in today's WWE. With 2 Women's Championship reigns spanning a total of 8 months, and a good partner in Santino Marella, there is no telling how long her 2nd championship reign will go, or what she will boast about if she is able to retain her title against a returning Melina, or Kelly Kelly in the future. You can also make a good case for Divas Champion Michelle McCool, who has shown she's that brand's top diva today, but so far, none of the Raw Divas has come close to toppling The Glamazon.
OMG MOMENT OF THE YEAR: JOHN CENA'S SUPRISE RETURN AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE
Jerry Lawler: "Who's #30?"
This one definitely took the cake. Although John Cena would later say (on the Holiday issue of WWE Magazine) that he was medically clear to return 1 month prior to the Royal Rumble, at that time, everyone else was thinking of a different superstar. To see him come back from tearing his pectoral muscle that quickly was quite an amazing feat (about as "OMG"-ish as him returning from his herniated disc in his neck to return and snatch WHC gold at Survivor Series), moreso when he went for the WWE Championship when it was still on Raw.
YEAR'S BEST MOMENTS THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO SAY "DAMN!" LIKE RON SIMMONS: SANTINO MARELLA ATTEMPTING THE MELINA SPLIT
Santino may lack Regal-like skills in the ring, but there is no doubt that he is a very funny character. There were many moments this year where he was involved, like feuding with Cousin Sal during the late spring, or hooking up with Beth Phoenix, but trying to do Melina's famed split, and ending up falling backwards just topped it all. One could only hope he doesn't screw Melina in a likely title match, but there is no denying that he is a real comedian in today's WWE.
TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR: THE DIRT SHEET DUO OF JOHN MORRISON & THE MIZ
In a world full of winners & losers, these two men have risen above to be the year's best tag team, if not this decade. Having held the WWE Tag Team Championship for about half the year, mocking DX, and likely going for The Colons, or CM PUnk & Kofi Kingston in the future, the duo that brings "The Dirt Sheet" to the WWE Universe have clearly shown that despite their egos, they have worked well together. Be jealous.
YEAR'S BEST FINISHING MOVE: EVAN BOURNE'S SHOOTING STAR PRESS
He has only been on ECW for half a year, spending the last 2 months on IR due to an ankle injury, but Evan Bourne's Shooting Star Press is definitely the most awe-inspiring move this year. Hell's Gate may be generally illegal in a regular match, and the Big Show KO punch is something that not many get up from, but alot of photos are taken when the Shooting Star Press is unleashed from the young rookie. More of that in 2009.
EXTREME MOMENT OF THE YEAR: A PICK 'EM BETWEEN JEFF HARDY'S 30-FT. SWANTON BOMB ON RANDY ORTON, AND UNDERTAKER GOING THROUGH 4 TABLES AT THE END OF THE TLC MATCH AT ONE NIGHT STAND
These 2 moments are definitely something etched into my mind for the rest of my life. If one would believe that his 15-ft. Whisper in the Wind from the top of the steel cage onto Umaga was extreme, he took it up a notch the next week on Raw, flipping Randy Orton onto some container filled with foam, then climbing up the old Raw stage set, then dropping a Swanton Bomb from 30 ft. onto RKO. Everyone in Mobile, AL that night were stunned and surprised.
The TLC Match at One Night Stand in San Diego, CA was just as brutal as it was Edge's specialty. He may've had "La Familia"'s help at the end, but going through 4 tables is unheard of in today's WWE, a moment that made Michael Cole go "OMG"! Yes, it did led to Undertaker's 2-month "banishment", but there aren't many people today that can go through 4 tables from about 20 feet up, get up, and walk away.
COUPLE OF THE YEAR: SANTINO MARELLA & BETH PHOENIX
Yes, Edge & Vickie have a case too, but "Glamarella" tops that couple. For a time, these two held both the Intercontinental Championship & the Women's Championship at the same time, and still, Santino is able to be the funny guy he is, both in the ring, and on "Santino's Casa". Who knows where this couple will go despite their ups and down; it'll be interesting to find out in 2009.
BEST WWE.COM ORIGINAL: "THE DIRT SHEET"
The likely Tag Team of the Year certainly had the best original series with their wild humor and boasting that they are the best of the best.
BREAKOUT STAR OF THE YEAR: PICK 'EM BETWEEN KOFI KINGSTON & EVAN BOURNE
These two Superstars have certainly made the best case this year. Kofi debuted last January, winning 14 straight matches before losing to Shelton Benjamin, got drafted to Raw, won the Intercontinental Championship in his first Raw match, held it for a couple of months before Santino won it, then won World Tag Team gold with fellow draftee CM Punk. His Jamaican charisma and style has certainly made him a stand-out on Raw, and his Trouble in Paradise finisher and "Boom! Boom! Boom!" gives him a great flavor.
Evan Bourne certainly turned some heads when he first jobbed with Shelton Benjamin on the 6/3 ECW as Matt Sydal, then debuts that following week as Evan Bourne, and unleashes the Shooting Star Press. He certainly fought the best fighters on ECW this year, even earning the respect of current ECW Champion Matt Hardy. Look for him to rise back to the top in 2009 when he returns from his ankle injury.
YEAR'S BEST MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: R-TRUTH
Santino's rapping may've been as funny as it was bad, Edge singing "Heaven" to Vickie may've drawn lots of boo's, and Miz & Morrison rapping on "The Dirt Sheet" may've been good, but R-Truth's rapping gets everyone going today. Two words..."What's Up?"
ANNOUNCE TEAM OF THE YEAR: UNDOUBTEDLY JIM ROSS & TAZZ ON SMACKDOWN
