The Stomping Ground: An “Over The Limit” Preview

Columns, Top Story

‘Sup, my loyal Stompers? It is I, your charismatic host, Mike Gojira, back with another edition of The Stomping Ground! This week, I will do what no columnist has yet to do (much to my shock and amazement): preview Over The Limit, live this Sunday on PPV! I, however, have no interest in watching said PPV, but I will gladly give you my thoughts here as well as in the Roundtable on Saturday.

Just three scant weeks after Extreme Rules, the WWE presents another series of rematches, which leads me to question the intelligence of a draft that managed to shake up my bowels more than anything else. I mean, we have guys like Alberto del Rio and Cody Rhodes, fresh off their previous feuds with Christian and Rey Mysterio respectively, and they haven’t got any place on the show. For the first time in a long time, I have no idea where the company is headed in the long run and I don’t think THEY do either. That’s not a good thing, as there doesn’t seem to be anybody the company is high on pushing to the moon as a new, fresh face. Bah, there I go bitching about the state of the business again. On to my thoughts for the PPV.

“I Quit” Match for the WWE Championship
John Cena vs The Miz

Personally, I think the build to this feud is backwards. Miz should have retained at Extreme Rules and Cena should be chasing. Yes, I am aware that Cena is undefeated in “I Quit” matches, but the Miz’s ability to be a cunning heel (and the fact he would have had two victories in a row on Cena) would have put things in his favor. His promo at the end of Raw this week planted the seeds of doubt in many a Cena fan. I don’t believe that Miz will go the Rock/Foley route and play an audio clip of Cena saying “I Quit.” I think he’ll go the more dastardly route and threaten to harm Cena’s dad or another family member.
Winner: Although I want Miz to win, I don’t see it happening as del Rio is waiting in the wings with nothing to do and needs a face to battle. Could he face Cena for Number One Contender status? Sure, but I think the money lies in del Rio vs Cena for the strap.

World Heavyweight Championship
Randy Orton vs Christian

I’m still angry that this match is even happening; not because I’m against an Orton/Christian feud, but because of the way the match was set up. With rumors of a Mark Henry/Orton feud coming soon, I doubt they will put the strap back on Captain Charisma so soon after taking it off him in such an emotional fashion. It would render the previous loss moot, in my opinion. By the way, I am not a fan of the Orton muttonchops. Will this match deliver? Most assuredly. Will I like the outcome? Probably not.
Winner: The golden boy (because of his tan, you see), Randy Orton.

Intercontinental Championship
Wade Barrett vs Ezekiel Jackson

If there was any doubt that the midcard titles mean jackshit, allow me to present Exhibit A: on Smackdown last week, Barrett challenged Big Zeke to a match at the PPV and Heath “Generic” Slater suggested he put the title on the line rather nonchalantly. It wasn’t even worth Barrett arguing over it; he just simply agreed with a “Meh.” I have high hopes for Zeke as I think he has a unique look for a big hoss. That being said (copyright Blair Douglas), I think this feud should continue past this match.
Winner: Logic says Zeke gets to dish out some punishment, but I see Barrett retaining thanks to Slater and Gabriel. Expect a DQ finish in favor of Jackson so the chase can continue.

Tag Team Championship
Big Show and Kane vs CM Punk and Mason Ryan

Oooookay. Here’s a match that came out of nowhere. I think it’s rather obvious that Punk’s time on the road is winding down. He’s been given less than two minutes on the mic every week and seems to be headed for an ousting from the Nexus, so this appears to be the straw that will break the camel’s back.
Winner: Big Show and Kane will retain because Punk’s ego will get in the way and he’ll take the pin, thereby beginning the break-up of the Nexus.

“Kiss My Foot” Match
Jerry “The King” Lawler vs Michael Cole

This HAS to end. This just HAS to end. With Swagger out of the picture, it seems all but certain that Cole will FINALLY get his comeuppance. Of course, we said that twice before, didn’t we? Technically, Lawler won at Mania only to have the decision reversed and Cole pinned Jim Ross at Extreme Rules, so Cole has no real claim to having defeated Lawler. However, his sheer arrogance has proven to generate “X-Pac heat” and it’s really time for him to shut up. Joel Leonard said it best this week in his column, which I suggest you check out.
Winner: Lawler. Please, God? I’m not a religious man, but I’m asking you to end our torment. If the world ends Saturday, at least let our last sight be that of Cole unconscious with Lawler’s foot down his throat.

Rey Mysterio vs R-Truth

I’m not convinced that Truth can bring it in the ring. He’s entertaining as a blithering, uneducated idiot on the mic, but if that can’t translate to in-ring storytelling then he’s nothing more than a flash-in-the-pan. Anyone else find it ironic that Morrison is weak on the mic but good in the ring, R-Truth is weak in the ring but good on the mic, but put them together as a tag team and they have ZERO charisma? Anyway, I see a win for Rey which will further infuriate Truth, and with Morrison’s return in a few weeks he can then turn his attention to JoMo.
Winner: Rey Rey

I fully expect to see del Rio, Sheamus, Kofi, Sin Cara, and Cody Rhodes in some shape or form on the card. There will probably be a Diva’s match as well, interrupted by Kharma as usual.

Random Thoughts

Why is Mark Henry getting a renewed push, while guys like McIntyre and Ziggler aren’t even on TV? Again, I don’t count Superstars. Henry has been around for a long time but has not done anything of note to deserve this push. You’ve got plenty of young, hungry talent like Daniel Bryan and Jack Swagger who are just stuck in limbo.

Who’s left for Kharma before she starts wrestling? Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly, Natalya, Beth Phoenix, and Brie Bella. She seems to be saving Kelly for a later date, and she has history with Gail Kim. The only viable challenges are Gail (who has been treated like a joke), Nattie (who is more technical than physically strong), and the obvious Phoenix (which should be an amazing feud if done right).

Alex Riley is proof that the draft is pointless. He doesn’t even show up on Smackdown, but I think after Sunday The Miz will finally kick him to the curb. Maybe.

For God’s sake, take the United States Championship off of Kofi Kingston. If you’re gonna bury him, don’t get the belt dirty. Or dirtier, if it’s at all salvageable at this juncture.

I’m interested in Sin Cara and Chavo’s storyline. Hopefully, after this week’s Smackdown, a match is made for Over The Limit. If it is, expect a great match with Sin Cara going over the veteran cruiserweight.

Cheap Plugs

My arch-nemesis, Rhett Davis, is back with another great column. This time, he goes toe-to-toe with my tag team partner, Pulse Glazer, which you can check out here.

Let’s welcome Pulse newcomer (but not new to the world of wrestling columns) Matt Harrak and his first edition of Creatively Endeavored.

Jonah Kue is back with a brand new edition of Kue’s Korner that you can find right here.

You’ve got the usual goodies of Kelly Floyd, Steven Gepp, Chris Sanders, Andrew Wheeler, Blair Douglas, and Chris Biscuiti floating around as well. Do yourself a favor and give them a good read.

As always, so long…and thanks for all the fish.

Since February of 2011, "The Master of Smarkasm" Mike Gojira has tickled the funny bones of Inside Pulse readers with his insightful comedy, timely wit, and irreverent musings on the world of professional wrestling. Catch his insanely popular column, The Stomping Ground, whenever he feels like posting a new edition (hey, I've earned the right). He is also totally modest and doesn't know the meaning of hyperbole.