The card for Sunday’s PPV.
World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger vs. Randy Orton (Extreme Rules Match)
This should be interesting. We know that Orton can and probably will make Swagger look great and that he can afford to lose… but will he? Swagger is jobbing to guys like John Morrison, so it’s hard to imagine Orton laying down for him. Of course, whatever new stable costing Orton the title (Ted Dibiase lead) works, and the result ultimately doesn’t really matter with the draft set to re-shuffle everything anyway. It’s either a screwy ending for Swagger to retain or Orton just takes the title to be Smackdown’s new centerpiece post-draft. He’s the only big star left who didn’t do time on the B-show.
WWE Champion John Cena vs. Batista (Last Man Standing Match)
People are dreading this, but these two haven’t had a bad match together, Batista’s on the hot streak of a lifetime, and Cena rules at LMS matches. I’m going out on a limb and calling that this will be a MOTYC. I’d also expect Batista to win as a make up for Triple H getting his movie. besides, Cena sells, champion or not, while Batista the heel could use the added credibility.
Edge vs. Chris Jericho (Steel Cage Match)
These two, awesome as they are, just don’t mesh well to me. Edge the face is flat out bombing in my opinion. Jericho should win as a thank you for laying down for the rookie on NXT, then head off to Raw to be top heel there. Edge meanwhile can turn on Orton on SD to give us a fresh feud.
Triple H vs. Sheamus (Street Fight)
They’re going to try and steal the show, but the pace will likely prevent it. Triple H needs to lose so we can move on, but he might not be done with the “epic” feud to elevate his workout buddy.
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk (If Punk loses, his head gets shaved)
The heel has lost nearly every time here and has nothing on the line. Punk has to win, so he can put up his hair again against an actual stip from Rey.
Women’s Champion Michelle McCool vs. Beth Phoenix (Extreme Makeover Match)
Silly and somewhat sexist, but hey, it’ll be kept short and Beth will win, humiliated McCool.
JTG vs. Shad Gaspard (Strap Match)
The former Cryme Tyme explode! I don’t get breaking them up, but both are better than generally given credit for and this could be good. Naturally Shad will win, then they will be separated by the draft.
