This weekend was just not a good one for me in terms of making predictions, both in my Playoff football pool and my New Year’s Revolution Roundtable predictions. Here’s what went down:
Kenny Dykstra vs. Ric Flair – What Chris Said:
The future for Kenny shines brightly, but will a hobbled Flair give the Kid a win and a PPV rub all in one fell swoop? On this night, I say Kenny pulls out a win over Mr. Frail – I mean Flair.
Winner – Kenny
What Actually Happened: At least I got some of these predictions right in the non-title matches. As expected, Flair jobbed to Kenny, showing that perhaps his abdomen is not the only thing that’s gone soft these days. 1-0 for me so far… but it’s really not how I start – just ask Tony Romo!
Carlito vs. Chris Masters – What Chris Said:
People always say that WWE is quick to change storylines, but Carlito and Masters have been involved with each other for almost a year now. At last year’s Royal Rumble, Carlito actually eliminated Masters while they were tag partners, and even though there were a few layoffs I think that this a good mid-card match with at least some personal history. Whether or not J.R. or the King will actually mention the history between these two is a whole other ball of wax.
Winner – Carlito
What Actually Happened: For some reason, Masters won… One for two!
Mickie James (c) vs. Victoria – Woman’s Championship – What Chris Said:
Victoria has to get the win here if for no other reason than to put a little spark in the Women’s division by having Mickie chase the belt from now until ‘Mania.
Winner – Victoria – New Woman’s Champ
What Actually Happened: Here’s where I start to really go downhill. I really thought the buildup to this match was solid, with Victoria using her checklist to wipe out the less than stellar competition in the Women’s Division, and I was hoping for a Victoria win so we could get a much-needed change of pace in the only Diva feud that actually matters right now. Instead, we get unnecessary interference from Melina, Maria and Candice, which leads to a disappointing end result as Mickie retains.
Jeff Hardy (c) vs. Johnny Nitro – Steel Cage Match – Intercontinental Championship – What Chris Said:
The likely Match of the Night candidate, as long as too many other people (Matt, Mercury, Melina, etc.) don’t get involved to the point of ridiculousness, which of course is inevitable with WWE booking these days.
Winner: Johnny Nitro – New IC Champ
What Actually Happened: I know that Nitro and Hardy have been going back and forth with the IC belt, and perhaps WWE Creative felt enough was enough and the strap shouldn’t change hands every few weeks. While I agree with that principle in theory, we all know that it would have been nice if Nitro’s main event rubs with Cena via the already scrutinized Kevin Federline angle actually counted for something substantial in terms of getting some kind of push as a result. Instead, Jeff Hardy keeps the belt, while Nitro becomes insignificant again. Still a very good cage match, though.
Rated RKO (c) vs. D-Generation X – World Tag Team Championship – What Chris Said:
All signs point to Rated RKO getting a win over D-X to secure their status as the new obnoxious stable to reckon with. Oh, I forgot, Triple H and Shawn Michaels aren’t privy to such generosity.
Winner: D-Generation X – New Tag Champs and I bet the belts get a special makeover for Raw so that they can be sold at arenas and Internet Shop Zones.
What Actually Happened: Wow, I guess a No Contest is better than a total squash, and I must admit Triple H definitely has become the Jeremy Shockey of wrestling – Impossible to root for at times, but man does he have guts.
John Cena (c) vs. Umaga – WWE Championship – What Chris Said:
It’s a New Year, and so New Year’s Revolution will feature its fourth title change of the night, as Umaga’s undefeated streak continues and Cena loses the belt once more. Hey, at least Kevin Federline didn’t get the title shot!
Winner – Umaga – New WWE Champ
What Actually Happened: I really thought this would be a night of title changes, and instead ALL titles were retained in one fashion or another. I am mildly surprised that Umaga’s undefeated streak was blown off tonight, as I thought an interesting plotline going into the Rumble would have been a still-undefeated heel champion against the down but not out baby-face ex-Champ. With that said, now that Cena won, this better not be the Rumble rematch.
CB’S FINAL ROUNDTABLE TALLY: 1 win, 5 losses, 1 no contest (Tag Turmoil was not included beforehand)
How did everyone else on the Inside Pulse staff do with their predictions? Check out the Rasslin’ Roundtable, and then review PK’s complete PPV Rundown.
That’s all for now PEACE! – CB
