Prognostications from the Buckle
2011.5
I had really good results picking the Wrestlemania matches. I went 5-3. I am not counting the “What a Shaemus” vs. Daniel Bryan match since it was moved to a dark match.
After Wrestlemania, I am 10-7 and The Jelly Bean is 4-10.
EXTREME RULES PREDICTIONS
Layla vs. Michelle McCool
(Loser Leaves the WWE)
This one would be hard to predict except for the fact that there rumors of McCool taking time off. Maybe she wants to create some “mini-Takers” with her husband. So the pick here is a no-brainer. The sad part of this match is that the most entertaining story involving the Diva’s division is coming to an end. Lay-Cool was fun to watch and will be missed.
Winner: Layla
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Michelle McCool
Jerry Lawler & Jim Ross vs. Michael Cole & Jack Swagger
(Country Whipping Match)
Jack Swagger proves why he won last year’s “What A Shaemus” award. He went from being a World Heavyweight Champion to being involved in a comedy match. The WWE seems to like to make fun of JR, so his team could possibly lose. But it is time for Lawler to finally get his hands on Michael Cole and end this storyline. Get announcers out of the ring and let wrestlers actually wrestle.
WINNERS: Jerry Lawler & Jim Ross (WOW! I can’t believe I just picked Jim Ross to win a wrestling match. This is a strong contender for this year’s “What A Shaemus” award.)
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Jerry Lawler & Jim Ross
Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes
(Falls Count Anywhere Match)
Cody Rhodes got a big win at Wrestlemania. Since Mysterio got drafted to Raw, this will be the last match between the two wrestlers. So the good guy needs to win here.
WINNER: Rey Mysterio
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Rey Mysterio
Randy Orton vs. CM Punk
(Last Man Standing Match)
Like Mysterio vs. Rhodes, this will be the last match between Punk and Orton. Orton will be in the main event scene on Smackdown now. He cannot lose to Punk if he is going to be the top star on Smackdown. That would ruin any credibility he has going to a new brand. A punt to the head will lay out Punk.
WINNER: Randy Orton
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Randy Orton (to quote Jelly Bean “cause I love him”. So now Daddy is rooting for Punk LOL. No dating until your 92!!!)
Ladder Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Christian vs. Alberto Del Rio
The WWE spent months building up Del Rio. Christian got put in this match just because Edge retired. Putting Christian in the match was a nice little gesture towards Edge. But the WWE is not going to waste all of the build up they put into Del Rio. It is time for him to fulfill his destiny.
WINNER and NEW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: Alberto Del Rio
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Christian
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Miz (CHAMPION) vs. John CEna vs. John Morrison
I really don’t see the WWE finding yet another way to cheat Cena out of winning the Championship. John Morrison has no business being in this match, other than allowing Cena to pin someone other than the Miz to win the title. That way, the Miz, in his arrogance, can claim to never have lost the title.
WINNER and NEW WWE CHAMPION: John Cena
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Cena
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
2011 WRESTLEMANIA PREDICTIONS
Prognostications from the Buckle
2011.4
After Elimination Chamber, I am 5-4 in my predictions. The Jelly Bean is 2-4. Emmalynn will be picking every match for this Pay-Per-View.
WRESTLEMANIA PREDICTIONS
Eight Man Tag Team Match
The Real Nexus aka The Corre: Wade Barrett, Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, and Justin Gabriel vs. Big Show, Kane, Santino Marella, and Kofi Kingston
I’m not really sure why the Nexus (the group C.M. Punk put together on Raw is NOT the Nexus) is feuding with Big Slow, Kane, Kingston, and Marella. But once The Nexus was banished to Smackdown, they really came into their own as a force to be reckoned with. The Nexus goes into this match wearing a lot of WWE gold. Barrett captured the Intercontinental Championship with Slater and Gabriel holding the WWE Tag Team Championship. The Real Nexus will continue their domination over their hastily assembled opponents. And Kane will be a non-factor, since he decided to become a trombone playing comedy wrestler instead of the monster that destroyed The Undertaker last year.
Winners: The Real Nexus aka The Corre
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Big Show, Kane, Marella, & Kingston
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
What a Sheamus (CHAMPION) vs. Daniel Bryan
It looks like the Pasty White Grappler has broken his losing streak. Bryan’s technical skill won’t be able to overcome What A Sheamus’ power.
WINNER and STILL UNITED STATES CHAMPION: WHAT A SHEAMUS
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Daniel Bryan
John Morrison, Trish Stratus, & a Skeeze vs. Dolph Ziggler, Mrs. Undertaker & Layla
I doubt that Trish Stratus would come back to wrestle only to lose on the biggest card of the year. It is a shame that she has to share the ring with someone who is famous for doing nothing. (I refuse to give this person any kind of publicity by mentioning her name). But Trish will not lose.
WINNERS: MORRISON, STRATUS, and someone who has no business being in the ring.
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Morrison & Stratus
Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio
I have always been a fan of Cody Rhodes. He is a great storyteller in the ring. His new aggressive and paranoid attitude should take him to the next level. I would really like to see a big Wrestlemania win for Rhodes. But little Rey is one of the WWE’s most loyal and popular wrestlers. Mysterio will win on the WWE’s biggest stage.
WINNER: REY MYSTERIO
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Rey Mysterio
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole
It is sad that this is one of the most well developed feuds on this year’s Wrestlemania card. It should be a fun match. But the outcome is predictable. Lawler CANNOT lose to an announcer, or else he will throw away any credibility he has as a legendary wrestler.
WINNER: LAWLER
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Lawler
Randy Orton vs. CM Punk
I really like the fact that the origin of this feud goes back two years to the Unforgiven Pay-Per-View (which I was at). I give the WWE a lot of credit for using its own history in building this match. Two years ago, Orton was the villain and took Punk out of the Championship Scramble match. I don’t understand why the fans are not on Punk’s side as he tries to get revenge for that brutal attack two years ago. Punk severely injured Orton’s knee on Raw. But an injured Viper is a dangerous Viper. Orton will find a way to win.
WINNER: ORTON
Jelly Bean’s Pick: CM Punk
The Undertaker vs. Triple H
I hate Triple H for using his relationship with the boss’s daughter to stick himself into the biggest match of the year. No other wrestler could be out for as long as Triple H was out and immediately get a Wrestlemania match with the Undertaker. I also don’t understand why the Undertaker is not worried about getting revenge against Kane for burying him alive. But apparently while ‘Taker was buried, he found religion. His new theme states that he will rise and meet Jesus in the air during the Rapture. That song does not fit the Deadman’s character. This whole match doesn’t make sense. But the streak will not end. Taker will take a hit with Triple H’s sledgehammer, rise up thanks to his new found religion, and get the win.
WINNER: THE UNDERTAKER
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Triple H
World Heavyweight Championship
Edge (CHAMPION) vs. Alberto Del Rio
Alberto Del Rio believes that it is his destiny to win the World Heavyweight Championship. His destiny will hit a bump in the road at Wrestlemania. It is unheard of for a newcomer to make a Wrestlemania debut in a Main Event match. There is no way that Del Rio’s first Wrestlemania win in his first Wrestlemania match is going to be for the World Heavyweight Championship. Edge, the Ultimate Opportunist, will find a way to win.
WINNER and STIL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: EDGE
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Del Rio
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Miz (CHAMPION) vs. John CEna
This may be the hardest match to predict all year. Under normal circumstances, Cena comes out of Wrestlemania as the Champ. But the Rock’s involvement makes this match anything but normal. On the Raw before Wrestlemania, Cena stood triumphant in the ring after giving the Rock an ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT. The Rock will get revenge. The question is, will it be during the match to cost Cena the title or after the match while Cena is celebrating a WWE CHAMPIONSHIP win. I am a fan of both wrestlers, so I will be happy no matter who wins. I am going to predict that the Rock will cost Cena the title. That way, The Rock and Cena can feud without the WWE Championship involved.
WINNER and STILL WWE CHAMPION: THE MIZ
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Cena
2011.4
After Elimination Chamber, I am 5-4 in my predictions. The Jelly Bean is 2-4. Emmalynn will be picking every match for this Pay-Per-View.
WRESTLEMANIA PREDICTIONS
Eight Man Tag Team Match
The Real Nexus aka The Corre: Wade Barrett, Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, and Justin Gabriel vs. Big Show, Kane, Santino Marella, and Kofi Kingston
I’m not really sure why the Nexus (the group C.M. Punk put together on Raw is NOT the Nexus) is feuding with Big Slow, Kane, Kingston, and Marella. But once The Nexus was banished to Smackdown, they really came into their own as a force to be reckoned with. The Nexus goes into this match wearing a lot of WWE gold. Barrett captured the Intercontinental Championship with Slater and Gabriel holding the WWE Tag Team Championship. The Real Nexus will continue their domination over their hastily assembled opponents. And Kane will be a non-factor, since he decided to become a trombone playing comedy wrestler instead of the monster that destroyed The Undertaker last year.
Winners: The Real Nexus aka The Corre
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Big Show, Kane, Marella, & Kingston
UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
What a Sheamus (CHAMPION) vs. Daniel Bryan
It looks like the Pasty White Grappler has broken his losing streak. Bryan’s technical skill won’t be able to overcome What A Sheamus’ power.
WINNER and STILL UNITED STATES CHAMPION: WHAT A SHEAMUS
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Daniel Bryan
John Morrison, Trish Stratus, & a Skeeze vs. Dolph Ziggler, Mrs. Undertaker & Layla
I doubt that Trish Stratus would come back to wrestle only to lose on the biggest card of the year. It is a shame that she has to share the ring with someone who is famous for doing nothing. (I refuse to give this person any kind of publicity by mentioning her name). But Trish will not lose.
WINNERS: MORRISON, STRATUS, and someone who has no business being in the ring.
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Morrison & Stratus
Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio
I have always been a fan of Cody Rhodes. He is a great storyteller in the ring. His new aggressive and paranoid attitude should take him to the next level. I would really like to see a big Wrestlemania win for Rhodes. But little Rey is one of the WWE’s most loyal and popular wrestlers. Mysterio will win on the WWE’s biggest stage.
WINNER: REY MYSTERIO
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Rey Mysterio
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole
It is sad that this is one of the most well developed feuds on this year’s Wrestlemania card. It should be a fun match. But the outcome is predictable. Lawler CANNOT lose to an announcer, or else he will throw away any credibility he has as a legendary wrestler.
WINNER: LAWLER
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Lawler
Randy Orton vs. CM Punk
I really like the fact that the origin of this feud goes back two years to the Unforgiven Pay-Per-View (which I was at). I give the WWE a lot of credit for using its own history in building this match. Two years ago, Orton was the villain and took Punk out of the Championship Scramble match. I don’t understand why the fans are not on Punk’s side as he tries to get revenge for that brutal attack two years ago. Punk severely injured Orton’s knee on Raw. But an injured Viper is a dangerous Viper. Orton will find a way to win.
WINNER: ORTON
Jelly Bean’s Pick: CM Punk
The Undertaker vs. Triple H
I hate Triple H for using his relationship with the boss’s daughter to stick himself into the biggest match of the year. No other wrestler could be out for as long as Triple H was out and immediately get a Wrestlemania match with the Undertaker. I also don’t understand why the Undertaker is not worried about getting revenge against Kane for burying him alive. But apparently while ‘Taker was buried, he found religion. His new theme states that he will rise and meet Jesus in the air during the Rapture. That song does not fit the Deadman’s character. This whole match doesn’t make sense. But the streak will not end. Taker will take a hit with Triple H’s sledgehammer, rise up thanks to his new found religion, and get the win.
WINNER: THE UNDERTAKER
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Triple H
World Heavyweight Championship
Edge (CHAMPION) vs. Alberto Del Rio
Alberto Del Rio believes that it is his destiny to win the World Heavyweight Championship. His destiny will hit a bump in the road at Wrestlemania. It is unheard of for a newcomer to make a Wrestlemania debut in a Main Event match. There is no way that Del Rio’s first Wrestlemania win in his first Wrestlemania match is going to be for the World Heavyweight Championship. Edge, the Ultimate Opportunist, will find a way to win.
WINNER and STIL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: EDGE
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Del Rio
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Miz (CHAMPION) vs. John CEna
This may be the hardest match to predict all year. Under normal circumstances, Cena comes out of Wrestlemania as the Champ. But the Rock’s involvement makes this match anything but normal. On the Raw before Wrestlemania, Cena stood triumphant in the ring after giving the Rock an ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT. The Rock will get revenge. The question is, will it be during the match to cost Cena the title or after the match while Cena is celebrating a WWE CHAMPIONSHIP win. I am a fan of both wrestlers, so I will be happy no matter who wins. I am going to predict that the Rock will cost Cena the title. That way, The Rock and Cena can feud without the WWE Championship involved.
WINNER and STILL WWE CHAMPION: THE MIZ
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Cena
Sunday, February 20, 2011
2011 Elimination Chamber Predictions
Prognostications from the Buckle
2011.3
After the Rumble, I am 1-3 in my predictions. (I am not counting the Divas Championship, since they changed the match at the last minute.) The Jelly Bean is 0-1. Emmalynn will be picking every match for this Pay-Per-View.
ELIMINATION CHAMBER PREDICTIONS
WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (CHAMPIONS) vs. Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel
Marella & Kozlov had a fun reign as the Tag Team Champions. But their pairing was mostly a joke. The joke has run its course. Slater and Gabriel are the most promising members of the Corre. The Corre also needs something to give the group legitimacy. Right now, they are nothing more than Nexus castoffs. A run as the Tag Team Champions would give the Corre some credibility as a force in the WWE.
Winners and NEW WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: JUSTIN GABRIEL & HEATH SLATER
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Marella & Kozlov
Kofi Kingston vs. Alberto Del Rio
I don’t really know why this match is on the Pay-Per-View. It is probably here just to keep Del Rio in the spotlight since he will be headlining Wrestlemania. Because he is in a Wrestlemania Main Event, Del Rio cannot lose. It would make him look weak going into the biggest show of the year.
WINNER: ALBERTO DEL RIO
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Del Rio
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Miz (CHAMPION) vs. Jerry “The King” Lawler
The Miz and Lawler already wrestled for the WWE Championship on the November 29, 2010 edition of Monday Night Raw. Lawler lost that match. To have a rematch on a Pay-Per-View, only to have Lawler lose yet again, seems rather pointless. Lawler has been very loyal to the WWE over the years, and I think that loyalty gets rewarded with a brief run as the WWE Champion.
WINNER and NEW WWE CHAMPION: JERRY LAWLER
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Lawler
Smackdown Elimination Chamber Match
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Edge (CHAMPION) vs. Kane vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Wade Barrett
Dolph Ziggler was supposed to be in this match, until he was fired by Vickie Guerrero on the February 18 edition of Smackdown. That leaves an open spot in the Elimination Chamber Match. There is the possibility of a surprise entrant in the match. I really hope this happens. The idea of any one of these wrestlers going into Wrestlemania as the World Heavyweight Champion is not very exciting. Since Del Rio has chosen to face the World Heavyweight Champion at Wrestlemania, the winner of this match has to be a ‘good guy’. Since Mysterio has a feud going with Cody Rhodes, I am going to pick Edge. But PLEASE WWE, give us a surprise entrant. Edge and Del Rio do not have an intriguing storyline going into Mania’. This year’s Wrestlemania needs a dose of excitement. There are not a lot of compelling storylines going on right now. That is probably why the Rock was brought in, to create some sense of excitement to this year’s Wrestlemania. Edge vs. Del Rio is not going to bring excitement to Wrestlemania.
WINNER and STILL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: EDGE
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Rey Mysterio
Raw Elimination Chamber Match
Winner will go on to face the WWE Champion at Wrestlemania
John Cena vs. John Morrison vs. R-Truth vs. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus vs. C.M. Punk
As I stated in the prediction above, this road to this year’s Wrestlemania Main Events are not filled with any excitement. Orton will probably face Punk at Mania’. Shaemus still has to face the wrath of Triple H. Morrison already had his title shot on Raw. R-Truth is not Main Event material. That leaves John Cena, who can always be counted on to bring excitement and energy to Wrestlemania.
WINNER: JOHN CENA
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Cena
When you are watching this year’s Elimination Chamber matches, pause for a moment and consider how much these men put their bodies through to entertain us. There is no way to ‘fake’ being smashed into steel chains. A body slam onto steel has to hurt. Professional wrestlers are some of the greatest athletes in the world and they put their bodies through unbelievable punishment to entertain us. They deserve our respect as well as our applause.
2011.3
After the Rumble, I am 1-3 in my predictions. (I am not counting the Divas Championship, since they changed the match at the last minute.) The Jelly Bean is 0-1. Emmalynn will be picking every match for this Pay-Per-View.
ELIMINATION CHAMBER PREDICTIONS
WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (CHAMPIONS) vs. Heath Slater & Justin Gabriel
Marella & Kozlov had a fun reign as the Tag Team Champions. But their pairing was mostly a joke. The joke has run its course. Slater and Gabriel are the most promising members of the Corre. The Corre also needs something to give the group legitimacy. Right now, they are nothing more than Nexus castoffs. A run as the Tag Team Champions would give the Corre some credibility as a force in the WWE.
Winners and NEW WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: JUSTIN GABRIEL & HEATH SLATER
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Marella & Kozlov
Kofi Kingston vs. Alberto Del Rio
I don’t really know why this match is on the Pay-Per-View. It is probably here just to keep Del Rio in the spotlight since he will be headlining Wrestlemania. Because he is in a Wrestlemania Main Event, Del Rio cannot lose. It would make him look weak going into the biggest show of the year.
WINNER: ALBERTO DEL RIO
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Del Rio
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Miz (CHAMPION) vs. Jerry “The King” Lawler
The Miz and Lawler already wrestled for the WWE Championship on the November 29, 2010 edition of Monday Night Raw. Lawler lost that match. To have a rematch on a Pay-Per-View, only to have Lawler lose yet again, seems rather pointless. Lawler has been very loyal to the WWE over the years, and I think that loyalty gets rewarded with a brief run as the WWE Champion.
WINNER and NEW WWE CHAMPION: JERRY LAWLER
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Lawler
Smackdown Elimination Chamber Match
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Edge (CHAMPION) vs. Kane vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Wade Barrett
Dolph Ziggler was supposed to be in this match, until he was fired by Vickie Guerrero on the February 18 edition of Smackdown. That leaves an open spot in the Elimination Chamber Match. There is the possibility of a surprise entrant in the match. I really hope this happens. The idea of any one of these wrestlers going into Wrestlemania as the World Heavyweight Champion is not very exciting. Since Del Rio has chosen to face the World Heavyweight Champion at Wrestlemania, the winner of this match has to be a ‘good guy’. Since Mysterio has a feud going with Cody Rhodes, I am going to pick Edge. But PLEASE WWE, give us a surprise entrant. Edge and Del Rio do not have an intriguing storyline going into Mania’. This year’s Wrestlemania needs a dose of excitement. There are not a lot of compelling storylines going on right now. That is probably why the Rock was brought in, to create some sense of excitement to this year’s Wrestlemania. Edge vs. Del Rio is not going to bring excitement to Wrestlemania.
WINNER and STILL WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: EDGE
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Rey Mysterio
Raw Elimination Chamber Match
Winner will go on to face the WWE Champion at Wrestlemania
John Cena vs. John Morrison vs. R-Truth vs. Randy Orton vs. Sheamus vs. C.M. Punk
As I stated in the prediction above, this road to this year’s Wrestlemania Main Events are not filled with any excitement. Orton will probably face Punk at Mania’. Shaemus still has to face the wrath of Triple H. Morrison already had his title shot on Raw. R-Truth is not Main Event material. That leaves John Cena, who can always be counted on to bring excitement and energy to Wrestlemania.
WINNER: JOHN CENA
Jelly Bean’s Pick: Cena
When you are watching this year’s Elimination Chamber matches, pause for a moment and consider how much these men put their bodies through to entertain us. There is no way to ‘fake’ being smashed into steel chains. A body slam onto steel has to hurt. Professional wrestlers are some of the greatest athletes in the world and they put their bodies through unbelievable punishment to entertain us. They deserve our respect as well as our applause.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
2011 Royal Rumble Predictions
Prognostications from the Buckle
ROYAL RUMBLE PREDICTIONS
WWE DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP
Natalya Neidhart (CHAMPION) vs. Lay-Cool (Layla & Michelle McCool)
Natalya has been a great Diva’s Champion. But I think her reign comes to an end. The WWE needs strong promo people going into Wrestlemania season. Nattie is weak on the mic and Lay-Cool is highly entertaining. Plus, either Layla or Miichelle McCool will get tired of sharing the spotlight, and a feud between the two of them would be fun to watch.
Winners and NEW WWE DIVA’S CO-CHAMPIONS: LAY-COOL
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Edge (CHAMPION) vs. Dolph Ziggler
Ziggler’s girlfriend, Vickie Guerrero, tried to ensure that her boytoy would win the Championship by banning Edge’s spear. But she forgot that Edge is the ‘ultimate opportunist’. Edge will find a way to win.
Winner and STILL WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGH CHAMPION: Edge
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Miz (CHAMPION) vs. Randy Orton
Randy Orton should win easily. He is a much better wrestler that The Miz. But The Miz is crafty and always seems to find a way to win. However, I would not be surprised to see The Miz use a disqualification or a count out to hold onto the belt. So I am going to pick Orton to win but for The Miz to retain. I do see The Miz holding onto the belt going into Wrestlemania. He would bring a lot of publicity to ‘Mania, especially from MTV and E!.
Winner: Randy Orton (The Miz retains the WWE Championship)
40 MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
For the first time ever, there will be 40 participants in this year’s Rumble. That should ensure a lot of twists and turns during the course of the match. It should also enable a surprise entrant to win. The ‘surprise comeback’ has been done too many times (Cena, Edge). So the winner WILL NOT be a returning Triple H.
There really are no compelling stories involving the WWE Championship or the World Heavyweight Championship. So this makes it difficult to predict a winner. However, there is one storyline that has not yet been resolved. And that is The Miz’s feud with Jerry Lawler. Lawler received a terrible beat down at the hands of The Miz. Lawler could easily interject himself in the WWE Championship match. But I am thinking outside of the box here. I believe that the best way for Lawler to get his revenge against The Miz is to enter the Rumble, win it, and go on to face The Miz at Wrestlemania.
Winner of the first ever 40 MAN ROYAL RUMBLE: Jerry “The King” Lawler
Bonus pick:
Jelly Bean’s Prognostication:
I asked my three year old daughter who was going to win the Royal Rumble. I was looking at T-Shirts on WWEShop when I asked the question. She pinted to a C.M. Punk T-Shirt and said ‘That guy is going to win.’
Jelly Bean’s pick to win the Royal Rumble: C.M. Punk
Enjoy the Royal Rumble!
ROYAL RUMBLE PREDICTIONS
WWE DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP
Natalya Neidhart (CHAMPION) vs. Lay-Cool (Layla & Michelle McCool)
Natalya has been a great Diva’s Champion. But I think her reign comes to an end. The WWE needs strong promo people going into Wrestlemania season. Nattie is weak on the mic and Lay-Cool is highly entertaining. Plus, either Layla or Miichelle McCool will get tired of sharing the spotlight, and a feud between the two of them would be fun to watch.
Winners and NEW WWE DIVA’S CO-CHAMPIONS: LAY-COOL
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Edge (CHAMPION) vs. Dolph Ziggler
Ziggler’s girlfriend, Vickie Guerrero, tried to ensure that her boytoy would win the Championship by banning Edge’s spear. But she forgot that Edge is the ‘ultimate opportunist’. Edge will find a way to win.
Winner and STILL WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGH CHAMPION: Edge
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Miz (CHAMPION) vs. Randy Orton
Randy Orton should win easily. He is a much better wrestler that The Miz. But The Miz is crafty and always seems to find a way to win. However, I would not be surprised to see The Miz use a disqualification or a count out to hold onto the belt. So I am going to pick Orton to win but for The Miz to retain. I do see The Miz holding onto the belt going into Wrestlemania. He would bring a lot of publicity to ‘Mania, especially from MTV and E!.
Winner: Randy Orton (The Miz retains the WWE Championship)
40 MAN ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH
For the first time ever, there will be 40 participants in this year’s Rumble. That should ensure a lot of twists and turns during the course of the match. It should also enable a surprise entrant to win. The ‘surprise comeback’ has been done too many times (Cena, Edge). So the winner WILL NOT be a returning Triple H.
There really are no compelling stories involving the WWE Championship or the World Heavyweight Championship. So this makes it difficult to predict a winner. However, there is one storyline that has not yet been resolved. And that is The Miz’s feud with Jerry Lawler. Lawler received a terrible beat down at the hands of The Miz. Lawler could easily interject himself in the WWE Championship match. But I am thinking outside of the box here. I believe that the best way for Lawler to get his revenge against The Miz is to enter the Rumble, win it, and go on to face The Miz at Wrestlemania.
Winner of the first ever 40 MAN ROYAL RUMBLE: Jerry “The King” Lawler
Bonus pick:
Jelly Bean’s Prognostication:
I asked my three year old daughter who was going to win the Royal Rumble. I was looking at T-Shirts on WWEShop when I asked the question. She pinted to a C.M. Punk T-Shirt and said ‘That guy is going to win.’
Jelly Bean’s pick to win the Royal Rumble: C.M. Punk
Enjoy the Royal Rumble!
Monday, January 24, 2011
2010 Turnbuckle STUFFing Awards
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: DANIEL BRYAN
Awarded to the wrestler who had the most impressive debut in the WWE or TNA.
Daniel Bryan, aka Brian Danielson Turnbuckle STUFFing
, had made a name for himself on the independent scene. Bryan’s career in the Ring of Honor promotion, including a 15 month reign as their World Champion, has led many fans to label him as the ‘greatest wrestler in the world’. Bryan was even included in Filsinger Games Legends of Wrestling game before his debut in the WWE. But the question remained: Could Bryan translate his impressive career on the independent circuit to the WWE. Bryan proved that he could indeed make it in the spotlight of a major promotion when he won the U.S. Championship at the ‘Night of Champions Pay-Per-View’.
2008 Winner: PRIMO COLON
2009 Winner: SHEAMUS
MOST IMPROVED WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: KANE
It is hard call someone who has been wrestling in the WWE for thirteen years the most improved wrestler of 2010. But Kane always had two black marks on his impressive career. One being the fact that he always came up short in his on again/off again fed with his brother The Undertaker. And the other being a very embarrassing one day reign as the WWE Champion. But in 2010, Kane erased both of those blemishes on his career. On July 28, Kane won a contract to face the World Champion at any time of his choosing at the ‘Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View’. He cashed in the opportunity the same night and defeated Jack Swagger to become the Champion. Kane proved he was indeed a worthy Champion by holding onto the title for most of the remainder of 2010. The bulk of Kane’s title defenses were against The Undertaker, an opponent that Kane had previously had a hard time defeating. But Kane not only won his feud with The Undertaker, he dominated his brother. Kane defeated The Undertaker in a No Holds Barred match at ‘Night of Champions’, in a Hell in a Cell match at the ‘Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View’, and in a Buried Alive match at ‘Bragging Rights’. The Undertaker has not been seen since he was ‘Buried Alive’. By finally getting the upper hand against his brother and proving that he was a legitimate World Champion, Kane went from being a superstar to a legitimate Legend!
2008 Winner: CODY RHODES
2009 Winner: KOFI KINGSTON
WOMAN OF THE YEAR: NATALYA NEIDHART
Neidhart had a great year as both a manager and a wrestler. On April 26, Nattie led Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith to the Unified Tag Team Championship. She helped the Hart Dynasty defend the tag team championship in a feud with the Usos by getting involved and neutralizing the Usos’ manager, Tamina. When the Hart Dynasty lost their tag team Championship at ‘Night of Champions’ in September, Kidd and Smith split up. This let Neidhart focus on her career as a wrestler. She was impressive in the ring and won the Diva’s Championship at ‘Survivor Series’.
2008 Winner: BETH PHOENIX
2009 Winner: SANTINA MARELLA
FEUD OF THE YEAR: MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS vs. BEER MONEY, INC.
This feud was not about a grab for power or personal vendettas. It was about two of the best tag teams in the business today wrestling to show who the better team was. The highlight of this feud was a best of five series for the TNA World Tag Team Championship. And as a treat to the fans, these matches were contested not on Pay-Per-Views, but on the weekly broadcast of Impact! Beer Money won the first two matches, a ladder match and a street fight. The Guns came back and won the next two encounters, a steel cage match and an Ultimate X match. The fifth and final match saw the Machine Guns win a thrilling two out of three falls match to retain the TNA World Tag Team Championship. Any one of these five matches could have won Match of the Year. 2 great tag teams + 5 great matches=1 GREAT FEUD!
2008 Winner: RANDY ORTON vs. ALMOST THE ENTIRE RAW ROSTER
2009 Winner: JOHN CENA vs. RANDY ORTON
“LOVE TO HATE” WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: WADE BARRETT
Wade Barrett was an unknown wrestler who won a wrestling show, NXT, which hardly anyone watched. He should have faded into obscurity like NXT Season 2 winner, Kaval. But Barrett put together a band of thugs comprised of his fellow NXT Season 1 contestants. They became known as The Nexus. The Nexus debuted on the June 7 edition of Raw and terrorized Raw for the remainder of the year. Wade Barrett used the Nexus to bully himself into the main event picture, a spot that he did not earn on his own. There is NOTHING worse than a bully getting what he does not deserve.
2008 Winner: RANDY ORTON
2009 Winner: RANDY ORTON
FAVORITE WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: JOHN CENA
For unexplained reasons, the entire Raw roster sat back and watched a group of unproven rookies take over and dominate their brand. Everyone, that is, except John Cena. Cena has proven time and again that he will always stand up for what is right, no matter what the odds are against him. John Cena was not gong to let a group of bullies take over Raw, no matter how many beat downs he endured at the hands of The Nexus. Cena’s desire to do the right thing and to stand up to bullies even cost him his job when he refused to award Wade Barrett the WWE Championship in a match that Cena acted as the special guest referee at ‘Survivor Series’. Cena, who had previously been forced to join Nexus, could have been “freed” if Barret won the title or ‘fired” if Randy Orton retained. Orton won the match and Cena was fired from the WWE. Standing up to the Nexus, no matter the cost to him physically or professionally, made John Cena my favorite wrestler for the second year in a row.
2008 Winner: C.M. PUNK
2009 Winner: JOHN CENA
PAY-PER-VIEW OF THE YEAR
(This award has been retired)
2008 Winner: UNFORGIVEN
2009 Winner: WRESTLEMANIA 25
MATCH OF THE YEAR: THE UNDERTAKER VS. SHAWN MICHAELS (Wrestlemania 26)-THE STREAK VS. CAREER
When it was announced that The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels would have a rematch at Wrestlemania 26, there was a little bit of disappointment from wrestling fans. Their Wrestlemania 25 match won this award last year and could easily be considered the greatest Wrestlemania match of all-time. How could these two aging and injury riddled veterans possibly top that performance. The answer lied in raising the stakes. The Undertaker would put his Wrestlemania winning streak on the line against the career of Shawn Michaels. This match carried so much importance that it was the Main Event of Wrestlemania 26. The WWE Championship Match and the World Heavyweight Championship match were contested before Michaels and The Undertaker took center stage. The two veterans pulled no punches. They showed the entire WWE roster what it means to wrestle in the main event of Wrestlemania. It looked like the Streak was finally going to come to an end when Shawn Michaels hit a moonsault onto The Undertaker’s legs as he was lying on the announce table. Taker injured his left knee early in the match and Michaels took advantage of this rare chink in the deadman’s armor. But by the time both combatants crawled back into the ring, The Undertaker was able to recover enough to avoid being pinned. The Undertaker nailed Shawn Michaels with a devastating tombstone piledriver. Michaels remarkably kicked out. The Undertaker stood over his battered opponent, reluctant to administer any more punishment to his battered and bruised opponent. The Undertaker yelled “Stay Down” to the Showstopper. Michaels used The Undertaker’s body for support and climbed to his feet. He then slapped The Undertaker in the face. This enraged The Undertaker and he hit Michaels with yet another tombstone piledriver. This time Michaels could not kick out. At 23:59 the epic battle and Shawn Michaels legendary career ended. Recognizing the significance of ending the career of Shawn Michaels and out of respect for a man that gave his all in the match, The Undertaker helped Michaels get to his feet. The two wrestlers shook hands and hugged in the center of the ring. The sight of two Legends of the ring embracing, exhausted after giving their all with so much riding on the match, is an image that will go down in wrestling history.
2008 Winner: Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship: Edge (CHAMPION) vs. Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy (Armageddon 2008 Pay-Per-View)
2009 Winner: THE UNDERTAKER VS. SHAWN MICHAELS (WRESTLEMANIA 26)
TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR: THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN)
TNA has arguable the best tag team wrestling in the sport. And The Motor City Machine Guns proved that they were the best of the best! On July 11, Shelley and Sabin defeated Beer Money, Inc. to win the vacant TNA World Tag Team Championship. And they won an amazing best of five series against Beer Money, Inc (see Feud of the Year) to retain the titles. The Machine Guns held onto the Tag Team Championship for the remainder of the year, defending it against Generation Me and the legendary Team 3D.
2008 Winner: JOHN MORRISON & THE MIZ
2009 Winner: DX: TRIPLE H & SHAWN MICHAELS
WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: THE MIZ
The Miz had a year that most wrestlers can only dream of. 2010 was filled with Championship gold. The Miz entered 2010 as the United States Champion. He also formed a tag team with the Big Show. ShoMiz won the Unified Tag Team Championship on the February 8 episode of Raw. ShoMiz had the honor of kicking off Wrestlemania 26 by successfully defending the Tag Team Championship against R-Truth and John Morrison. The Miz and Big Show lost the Unified Tag Team Championship on April 26. The Miz lost the U.S. Championship on May 17 but regained it on the June 14 episode of Raw. The list of The Miz’s accomplishments in 2010 continued on as he won the Money in the Bank contract at the ‘Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View’ on July 18. He held onto the United States Championship until September, losing it to Daniel Bryan (see newcomer of the year). Those Championship runs would be enough to earn the Miz the Wrestler of the Year honors. But he won the ultimate prize in professional wrestling when, on November 22, The Miz cashed in his money in the bank contract and defeated Randy Orton to become the WWE Champion. Being the United States Champion, one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, and the WWE Champion in won year clearly made The Miz the best wrestler of the year. In 2010, the Miz was ‘AWESOME!”
2008 Winner: C.M. PUNK
2009 Winner: JOHN CENA
“NOW THAT…THAT’S COOL” AWARD
This award is for my favorite moment of the year.
The Miz cashing in his Money in the Bank Contract on the November 22 episode of Raw
When the Miz came to the ring on the November 22 episode of Raw, it was one of the most exciting moments for me as a wrestling fan.. I followed The Miz’s wrestling career from the very beginning. Before he even debut in the WWE, I saw The Miz compete in a dark match before an episode of Raw in Cleveland. He was from Cleveland, so I cheered for him. I watched him go from being kind of a ‘goofy’ character to someone who worked hard to be taken seriously as a professional wrestler. I remember being at the Unforgiven Pay-Per-View in Cleveland back in 2008. The Miz competed for the ECW Championship in the inaugural ‘Championship Scramble’ match. When he came to the ring, I remember leaning over to my wife and saying “We have to cheer for him. He may be a goof, but he’s OUR goof!” Then, on November 22, that ‘goof from Cleveland’ who I watched wrestle in a dark match to prove that he should be given a chance to compete in the WWE was now getting an opportunity to win the WWE Championship. I was literally on the edge of my couch rooting for The Miz. When The Miz hit the ‘skull crushing finale’ on Randy Orton, I was the happiest I have been as a wresting fan in a long time. To root for a wrestler from dark matches to a WWE Championship match was a fun and exciting ride for me as a wrestling fan!
But that is only half of the story. The Miz is a great example of never giving up on your dream. By all accounts, The Miz was the laughing stock of the WWE locker room. He was seen as a reality show has-been just trying to keep alive his fifteen minutes of fame. He was kicked out of the locker room for six months because he ate a piece of chicken over one of the wrestler’s bags. He had to find a place to shower, change, and use the restroom. JBL admits to hazing The Miz. But the Miz refused to quit. He worked on his mic skills. He worked on his ring skills. And now he is the WWE Champion. The Miz’ rise to the top, despite disrespect from his peers, and his determination to succeed encourage me to work even harder on my goals.
2008 Winner: JEFF HARDY WINS THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
2009 Winner: THE UNDERTAKER’S SUICIDE DIVE AT WRESTLEMANIA 25
The “What a Sheamus” Award: JACK SWAGGER WINNING THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
This award is for an event that should never have happened.
2010 was filled with many events that were strong contenders for this award: a group of unproven rookies (Nexus) taking over Raw while a locker room full of veterans sat back and did nothing, TNA turning the one guy (Jeff Hardy) that cold have made the company more popular into a bad guy, TNA turning the second guy (Hulk Hogan) that could have made their company more popular into a bad guy, the long drawn out anonymous Raw General manager storyline, seeing Big Show in his underwear in ‘Knucklehead’ (I needed to poke my right eye out after seeing that!), Orlando Jordan ( just CREEPY!), seeing Ric Flair get stripped to his underwear on Impact! (I needed to poke out my left eye after seeing that!), and TNA having an a@#hole as their Champion. But the one event that really should not have happened was Jack Swagger winning the World Heavyweight Championship on March 30. Does anyone even remember that Swagger won the Championship? Do you remember who he beat to win the Championship? Do you remember who defeated Swagger for the title? Can anyone name a wrestler who Swagger defended the title against? Jack Swagger is perhaps the least memorable Champion in the history of the World Heavyweight Championship. “What a Shaemus!”
2009 Winner: Sheamus Defeating John Cena for the WWE Championship at the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Pay-Per-View
These are my thoughts on the year in wrestling 2010. Please let me know your thoughts and who you would have picked to win these categories.
Awarded to the wrestler who had the most impressive debut in the WWE or TNA.
Daniel Bryan, aka Brian Danielson Turnbuckle STUFFing
, had made a name for himself on the independent scene. Bryan’s career in the Ring of Honor promotion, including a 15 month reign as their World Champion, has led many fans to label him as the ‘greatest wrestler in the world’. Bryan was even included in Filsinger Games Legends of Wrestling game before his debut in the WWE. But the question remained: Could Bryan translate his impressive career on the independent circuit to the WWE. Bryan proved that he could indeed make it in the spotlight of a major promotion when he won the U.S. Championship at the ‘Night of Champions Pay-Per-View’.
2008 Winner: PRIMO COLON
2009 Winner: SHEAMUS
MOST IMPROVED WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: KANE
It is hard call someone who has been wrestling in the WWE for thirteen years the most improved wrestler of 2010. But Kane always had two black marks on his impressive career. One being the fact that he always came up short in his on again/off again fed with his brother The Undertaker. And the other being a very embarrassing one day reign as the WWE Champion. But in 2010, Kane erased both of those blemishes on his career. On July 28, Kane won a contract to face the World Champion at any time of his choosing at the ‘Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View’. He cashed in the opportunity the same night and defeated Jack Swagger to become the Champion. Kane proved he was indeed a worthy Champion by holding onto the title for most of the remainder of 2010. The bulk of Kane’s title defenses were against The Undertaker, an opponent that Kane had previously had a hard time defeating. But Kane not only won his feud with The Undertaker, he dominated his brother. Kane defeated The Undertaker in a No Holds Barred match at ‘Night of Champions’, in a Hell in a Cell match at the ‘Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View’, and in a Buried Alive match at ‘Bragging Rights’. The Undertaker has not been seen since he was ‘Buried Alive’. By finally getting the upper hand against his brother and proving that he was a legitimate World Champion, Kane went from being a superstar to a legitimate Legend!
2008 Winner: CODY RHODES
2009 Winner: KOFI KINGSTON
WOMAN OF THE YEAR: NATALYA NEIDHART
Neidhart had a great year as both a manager and a wrestler. On April 26, Nattie led Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith to the Unified Tag Team Championship. She helped the Hart Dynasty defend the tag team championship in a feud with the Usos by getting involved and neutralizing the Usos’ manager, Tamina. When the Hart Dynasty lost their tag team Championship at ‘Night of Champions’ in September, Kidd and Smith split up. This let Neidhart focus on her career as a wrestler. She was impressive in the ring and won the Diva’s Championship at ‘Survivor Series’.
2008 Winner: BETH PHOENIX
2009 Winner: SANTINA MARELLA
FEUD OF THE YEAR: MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS vs. BEER MONEY, INC.
This feud was not about a grab for power or personal vendettas. It was about two of the best tag teams in the business today wrestling to show who the better team was. The highlight of this feud was a best of five series for the TNA World Tag Team Championship. And as a treat to the fans, these matches were contested not on Pay-Per-Views, but on the weekly broadcast of Impact! Beer Money won the first two matches, a ladder match and a street fight. The Guns came back and won the next two encounters, a steel cage match and an Ultimate X match. The fifth and final match saw the Machine Guns win a thrilling two out of three falls match to retain the TNA World Tag Team Championship. Any one of these five matches could have won Match of the Year. 2 great tag teams + 5 great matches=1 GREAT FEUD!
2008 Winner: RANDY ORTON vs. ALMOST THE ENTIRE RAW ROSTER
2009 Winner: JOHN CENA vs. RANDY ORTON
“LOVE TO HATE” WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: WADE BARRETT
Wade Barrett was an unknown wrestler who won a wrestling show, NXT, which hardly anyone watched. He should have faded into obscurity like NXT Season 2 winner, Kaval. But Barrett put together a band of thugs comprised of his fellow NXT Season 1 contestants. They became known as The Nexus. The Nexus debuted on the June 7 edition of Raw and terrorized Raw for the remainder of the year. Wade Barrett used the Nexus to bully himself into the main event picture, a spot that he did not earn on his own. There is NOTHING worse than a bully getting what he does not deserve.
2008 Winner: RANDY ORTON
2009 Winner: RANDY ORTON
FAVORITE WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: JOHN CENA
For unexplained reasons, the entire Raw roster sat back and watched a group of unproven rookies take over and dominate their brand. Everyone, that is, except John Cena. Cena has proven time and again that he will always stand up for what is right, no matter what the odds are against him. John Cena was not gong to let a group of bullies take over Raw, no matter how many beat downs he endured at the hands of The Nexus. Cena’s desire to do the right thing and to stand up to bullies even cost him his job when he refused to award Wade Barrett the WWE Championship in a match that Cena acted as the special guest referee at ‘Survivor Series’. Cena, who had previously been forced to join Nexus, could have been “freed” if Barret won the title or ‘fired” if Randy Orton retained. Orton won the match and Cena was fired from the WWE. Standing up to the Nexus, no matter the cost to him physically or professionally, made John Cena my favorite wrestler for the second year in a row.
2008 Winner: C.M. PUNK
2009 Winner: JOHN CENA
PAY-PER-VIEW OF THE YEAR
(This award has been retired)
2008 Winner: UNFORGIVEN
2009 Winner: WRESTLEMANIA 25
MATCH OF THE YEAR: THE UNDERTAKER VS. SHAWN MICHAELS (Wrestlemania 26)-THE STREAK VS. CAREER
When it was announced that The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels would have a rematch at Wrestlemania 26, there was a little bit of disappointment from wrestling fans. Their Wrestlemania 25 match won this award last year and could easily be considered the greatest Wrestlemania match of all-time. How could these two aging and injury riddled veterans possibly top that performance. The answer lied in raising the stakes. The Undertaker would put his Wrestlemania winning streak on the line against the career of Shawn Michaels. This match carried so much importance that it was the Main Event of Wrestlemania 26. The WWE Championship Match and the World Heavyweight Championship match were contested before Michaels and The Undertaker took center stage. The two veterans pulled no punches. They showed the entire WWE roster what it means to wrestle in the main event of Wrestlemania. It looked like the Streak was finally going to come to an end when Shawn Michaels hit a moonsault onto The Undertaker’s legs as he was lying on the announce table. Taker injured his left knee early in the match and Michaels took advantage of this rare chink in the deadman’s armor. But by the time both combatants crawled back into the ring, The Undertaker was able to recover enough to avoid being pinned. The Undertaker nailed Shawn Michaels with a devastating tombstone piledriver. Michaels remarkably kicked out. The Undertaker stood over his battered opponent, reluctant to administer any more punishment to his battered and bruised opponent. The Undertaker yelled “Stay Down” to the Showstopper. Michaels used The Undertaker’s body for support and climbed to his feet. He then slapped The Undertaker in the face. This enraged The Undertaker and he hit Michaels with yet another tombstone piledriver. This time Michaels could not kick out. At 23:59 the epic battle and Shawn Michaels legendary career ended. Recognizing the significance of ending the career of Shawn Michaels and out of respect for a man that gave his all in the match, The Undertaker helped Michaels get to his feet. The two wrestlers shook hands and hugged in the center of the ring. The sight of two Legends of the ring embracing, exhausted after giving their all with so much riding on the match, is an image that will go down in wrestling history.
2008 Winner: Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship: Edge (CHAMPION) vs. Triple H vs. Jeff Hardy (Armageddon 2008 Pay-Per-View)
2009 Winner: THE UNDERTAKER VS. SHAWN MICHAELS (WRESTLEMANIA 26)
TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR: THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN)
TNA has arguable the best tag team wrestling in the sport. And The Motor City Machine Guns proved that they were the best of the best! On July 11, Shelley and Sabin defeated Beer Money, Inc. to win the vacant TNA World Tag Team Championship. And they won an amazing best of five series against Beer Money, Inc (see Feud of the Year) to retain the titles. The Machine Guns held onto the Tag Team Championship for the remainder of the year, defending it against Generation Me and the legendary Team 3D.
2008 Winner: JOHN MORRISON & THE MIZ
2009 Winner: DX: TRIPLE H & SHAWN MICHAELS
WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: THE MIZ
The Miz had a year that most wrestlers can only dream of. 2010 was filled with Championship gold. The Miz entered 2010 as the United States Champion. He also formed a tag team with the Big Show. ShoMiz won the Unified Tag Team Championship on the February 8 episode of Raw. ShoMiz had the honor of kicking off Wrestlemania 26 by successfully defending the Tag Team Championship against R-Truth and John Morrison. The Miz and Big Show lost the Unified Tag Team Championship on April 26. The Miz lost the U.S. Championship on May 17 but regained it on the June 14 episode of Raw. The list of The Miz’s accomplishments in 2010 continued on as he won the Money in the Bank contract at the ‘Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View’ on July 18. He held onto the United States Championship until September, losing it to Daniel Bryan (see newcomer of the year). Those Championship runs would be enough to earn the Miz the Wrestler of the Year honors. But he won the ultimate prize in professional wrestling when, on November 22, The Miz cashed in his money in the bank contract and defeated Randy Orton to become the WWE Champion. Being the United States Champion, one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, and the WWE Champion in won year clearly made The Miz the best wrestler of the year. In 2010, the Miz was ‘AWESOME!”
2008 Winner: C.M. PUNK
2009 Winner: JOHN CENA
“NOW THAT…THAT’S COOL” AWARD
This award is for my favorite moment of the year.
The Miz cashing in his Money in the Bank Contract on the November 22 episode of Raw
When the Miz came to the ring on the November 22 episode of Raw, it was one of the most exciting moments for me as a wrestling fan.. I followed The Miz’s wrestling career from the very beginning. Before he even debut in the WWE, I saw The Miz compete in a dark match before an episode of Raw in Cleveland. He was from Cleveland, so I cheered for him. I watched him go from being kind of a ‘goofy’ character to someone who worked hard to be taken seriously as a professional wrestler. I remember being at the Unforgiven Pay-Per-View in Cleveland back in 2008. The Miz competed for the ECW Championship in the inaugural ‘Championship Scramble’ match. When he came to the ring, I remember leaning over to my wife and saying “We have to cheer for him. He may be a goof, but he’s OUR goof!” Then, on November 22, that ‘goof from Cleveland’ who I watched wrestle in a dark match to prove that he should be given a chance to compete in the WWE was now getting an opportunity to win the WWE Championship. I was literally on the edge of my couch rooting for The Miz. When The Miz hit the ‘skull crushing finale’ on Randy Orton, I was the happiest I have been as a wresting fan in a long time. To root for a wrestler from dark matches to a WWE Championship match was a fun and exciting ride for me as a wrestling fan!
But that is only half of the story. The Miz is a great example of never giving up on your dream. By all accounts, The Miz was the laughing stock of the WWE locker room. He was seen as a reality show has-been just trying to keep alive his fifteen minutes of fame. He was kicked out of the locker room for six months because he ate a piece of chicken over one of the wrestler’s bags. He had to find a place to shower, change, and use the restroom. JBL admits to hazing The Miz. But the Miz refused to quit. He worked on his mic skills. He worked on his ring skills. And now he is the WWE Champion. The Miz’ rise to the top, despite disrespect from his peers, and his determination to succeed encourage me to work even harder on my goals.
2008 Winner: JEFF HARDY WINS THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP
2009 Winner: THE UNDERTAKER’S SUICIDE DIVE AT WRESTLEMANIA 25
The “What a Sheamus” Award: JACK SWAGGER WINNING THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
This award is for an event that should never have happened.
2010 was filled with many events that were strong contenders for this award: a group of unproven rookies (Nexus) taking over Raw while a locker room full of veterans sat back and did nothing, TNA turning the one guy (Jeff Hardy) that cold have made the company more popular into a bad guy, TNA turning the second guy (Hulk Hogan) that could have made their company more popular into a bad guy, the long drawn out anonymous Raw General manager storyline, seeing Big Show in his underwear in ‘Knucklehead’ (I needed to poke my right eye out after seeing that!), Orlando Jordan ( just CREEPY!), seeing Ric Flair get stripped to his underwear on Impact! (I needed to poke out my left eye after seeing that!), and TNA having an a@#hole as their Champion. But the one event that really should not have happened was Jack Swagger winning the World Heavyweight Championship on March 30. Does anyone even remember that Swagger won the Championship? Do you remember who he beat to win the Championship? Do you remember who defeated Swagger for the title? Can anyone name a wrestler who Swagger defended the title against? Jack Swagger is perhaps the least memorable Champion in the history of the World Heavyweight Championship. “What a Shaemus!”
2009 Winner: Sheamus Defeating John Cena for the WWE Championship at the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Pay-Per-View
These are my thoughts on the year in wrestling 2010. Please let me know your thoughts and who you would have picked to win these categories.
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