Wrestlemania 24 Predictions (A Day in the Life #112)

ADITL #112: Wrestlemania 24 Preview

I know what some of you are thinking, “Shouldn’t this be in the Pop Culture section?”

Yes, but for over seven years, a Wrestlemania post has been apart of the WYLFWT legacy. This year is no different. I've been a wrestling fan ever since I was 8 years old. It’s been off and on for years. Even then, I still made sure to catch Wrestlemania each year.

This year, we have the 24th installment of Wrestlemania! This is the Superbowl... the World Series... the Wimbledon...the Westminster Dog Show of professional wrestling! This is a spectacle where fans & wrestlers dreams come true!

This Sunday March the 30th, hailing from the Citrus Bowl in Miami, Florida, Wrestlemania 24 will go live! Now, I am going to have to say that this year's card isn't exactly what I would say would be my "Dream Card," but the line-up is about on par with last year, if not a little more promising. Last year, Wrestlemania 23 presented that perhaps they know they can't really do a dream card at this point, but that they can put on one hell of a show in spite of it!

I will be posting my predicted match-order, match-length, star rating, and winner. Plus, I will award "Match of the Night," etc honors to each match! Match order is in the order in which I present them. :-)

ECW TITLE MATCH
Chavo Guerrero (Champion) vs.
Winner of WWE.com 24 Man Battle Royal Featuring:
Brian Kendrick, Chuck Palumbo, Cody Rhodes, Deuce, Domino, Elijah Burke, Festus, Hacksaw Duggan, Hardcore Holly, Jamie Noble, Jesse, Jimmy Wang Yang, Kane, Kofi Kingston, Lance Cade, Mark Henry, Matt Striker, Shannon Moore, Snitsky, The Great Khali, The Miz, Tommy Dreamer, Trevor Murdoch, Val Venis

The Story Thus Far According to WWE.com: "As WrestleMania XXIV in Orlando marks the 24th year of the sports-entertainment spectacle’s rich
history, ECW General Manager Armando Estrada has inked a 24-Man Battle Royal involving Superstars from Raw, SmackDown and, of course, the Land of the Extreme. The Battle Royal will take place at WrestleMania XXIV, with the winner earning an ECW Championship Match against Chavo Guerrero."

My Opinion: This really should have been CM Punk vs. Chavo, but I think WWE is probably trying to graduate Punk from ECW and move onto RAW or SmackDown since he's had a great year.

Not sure who exactly is going to win the battle royal. The only one that has had some sort of storyline is Colin Delaney and he isn't even in the battle royal. They've been pushing Khali, but I just don't see them having a heel vs heel match. So, its going to be a crapshoot and I don't see any "Wrestlemania" moments coming out of any of the participants unless they have an underdog go all the way and win it or give it to ECW Original Tommy Dreamer.

MY PREDICTED BATTLE ROYAL WINNER: Tommy Dreamer

Estimate Predicted Match Length: 8 minutes

Predicted Match Rating: **3/4

Predicted Match Honors: "Most Forgettable Match"

Predicted Winner: The Battle Royal Winner, with outside interference from Colin Delaney and botched interference from Vickie, Edge, and the Edge Heads

Money in the Bank IV
John Morrison vs. CM Punk vs. Carlito vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Mr. Kennedy vs. MVP vs. Chris Jericho

The Story Thus Far According to WWE.com: "The Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania has become one of WWE's most coveted opportunities because of its golden track record – almost all previous winners have ultimately won a World Championship. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Money in the Bank Ladder Match, a collection of Superstars battle for possession of a briefcase that’s held high above the ring and contains a contract for a World Championship Match. The winner of Money in the Bank can cash in the contract at any time over the next year and previous victors have used that opportunity to win gold. Edge and Rob Van Dam have used the Money in the Bank Ladder Match victories to etch their names in World Heavyweight and WWE Championship history."

My Opinion: Every year, Money in the Bank always delivers excitement. This year should be no different! We have the return of Chris Jericho this year. The rise of John Morrison. The next step for CM Punk becoming a full time main eventer. Shelton "Spider-Man" Benjamin is in there, and maybe Mr. Kennedy's return to greatness. Nobody knows why Carlito is in there as opposed to, say, Santino, but hey, he's a decent worker!

Jeff Hardy's drug bust killed the momentum for this match, but we can't blame the WWE. It is Jeff Hardy who should be apologizing for letting everyone down. However, its quite creepy sometimes how fast you will lose your spot in wrestling. Jeff Hardy goes out on drug suspension, so Jericho zips right in and quickly snatches that spot.

But, we all know that it isn't one guy who makes the Ladder Match, and almost all of the guys here are experienced in the fine art of the ladder match such as Jericho, Morrison, and Benjamin. Kennedy and CM Punk were in there last year. Carlito is sure to be fine and I bet MVP will surprise all of us. I think we can expect an exciting match, with a potential CM Punk win. If not him, then definitely Chris Jericho.

Estimate Predicted Match Length: 14 minutes

Predicted Match Rating: ****

Predicted Match Honors: "Match with most "Holy Shit" moments."

Predicted Winner: CM Punk

Belfast Brawl Match
Finlay vs. JBL

The Story Thus Far According to WWE.com: "Finlay has been in plenty of fights on several continents in his long career, but perhaps none will be as personal as the war he will wage with JBL in a Belfast Brawl at WrestleMania XXIV. The self-proclaimed “wrestling god” has done something no other opponent has ever been able to accomplish – he exposed Finlay’s heart. JBL uncovered a deep secret held by the Belfast brawler – that his ever-loyal sidekick, Hornswoggle, was not the illegitimate offspring of Mr. McMahon, but really Finlay’s son. By decimating Hornswoggle and putting him in a hospital bed, JBL revealed how black his own heart is – and the lengths he is willing to go to prove a point. But the self-made millionaire better be careful. If he thinks he has exposed a weakness in Finlay, he may be mistaken. He may have poured gasoline on a simmering rage within the man who loves to fight."

My Opinion: What started off as the worst storyline going with Hornswoggle and Vince has become one of the more intense feuds going into Mania.

Estimate Predicted Match Length: 11 minutes

Predicted Match Rating: ***

Predicted Match Honors: "Most Bloody Match"

Predicted Winner: JBL

"Title vs. The Streak"
World Title Match
Edge vs. The Undertaker (champion)

The Story Thus Far According to WWE.com: "A telltale hour for the World Heavyweight Championship at No Way Out foretold the SmackDown main event at WrestleMania XXIV: The Rated-R Superstar vs. The Phenom, title vs. streak. Within sixty minutes of witnessing The Phenom’s triumph in a grisly Elimination Chamber Match, the Ultimate Opportunist capitalized on an injured Rey Mysterio to retain the gold with an ample WrestleMania-based knot in his Rated-R gut. The Deadman has pursued the World Heavyweight Title since May 8, 2007 – an evening on which infamy was defined by Edge’s opportunistic championship seizure. That night, the Ultimate Opportunist moniker was born as Edge cashed in Money in the Bank (which he craftily seized from Mr. Kennedy) at the most inopportune moment for Undertaker.

Minutes after The Phenom’s Steel Cage encounter with Batista and a savage assault by Mark Henry, the Rated-R Superstar stole the gold from the war-torn Deadman. The Ultimate Opportunist continued to be a bane to Undertaker for months on SmackDown, keeping the grim Superstar from reclaiming the championship. Now, more than one year later, life proves to be ironically cyclical for Edge, as his date with the devil has been inked for WrestleMania.

Speaking of cycles, The Phenom is certainly reaching the peak of another for himself. This time last year, SmackDown’s resident demon pursued a quest toward a championship encounter with Batista at WrestleMania 23. In an epic clash of two indelible titans, The Phenom maintained his venerable win streak on The Grandest Stage of Them All, and more
importantly, captured his fifth World Title.

This impressive 15-0 undefeated streak at WrestleMania casts an ominous, intimidating shadow over the Ultimate Opportunist’s reign. However, Edge himself bears his own notable record at WrestleMania (5-1), at which he has never been pinned or forced to submit. But, this imminent collision isn’t about streaks it’s about the highly coveted World Heavyweight Championship. Can even the most ideal opportunity keep the gold around the Rated-R Superstar’s waist at WrestleMania XXIV? Or will the Ultimate Opportunist find the angle he needs and make history by burying The Deadman once and for all as The Granddaddy of Them All emanates from the Florida Citrus Bowl?"

My Opinion: Okay, I think its pretty damn obvious who is going to win this match, but I think that Edge and Taker will still tell us an awesome story in their match. Undertaker has always brought his A-Game to Wrestlemania (e.g. great classics with Randy Orton, Batista, Triple H), even if he's been given shit to work with (e.g. Mark Henry, Kane, Big Show/A-Train). We know that Edge is a great wrestler who has had several Wrestlemania classics (e.g. Mick Foley, Triangle Ladder Match, TLC II, Money in the Banks I & III). So, I think this is going to be a reasonably decent match with a very predictable ending.

Estimate Predicted Match Length: 19 minutes

Predicted Match Rating: ***

Predicted Honors: "Fun, Yet Predictable Match of the Night"

Predicted Winner: The Undertaker (DUH!)

This is where the Hall of Fame segment will probably fall.

The Battle for Brand Supremacy, SmackDown vs. Raw
Batista (SmackDown) vs. Umaga (Raw)

The Story Thus Far According to WWE.com: "SmackDown or Raw: Which is the superior brand in WWE? Ever since WWE was separated by brands during the first Draft in 2002, there has been a brewing rivalry between SmackDown and Raw. As the flagship show in WWE, Raw has been considered the superior brand among some observers – a perception that has always irked the SmackDown faithful. Now, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero officially has laid down the gauntlet to Raw GM William Regal and she wants the question of brand superiority answered once and for all on The Grandest Stage of Them All, WrestleMania XXIV. One representative from Raw and a competitor from SmackDown will battle one-on-one for bragging rights and brand supremacy."

My Opinion: Here's a pointless match that is sure to on 3 different levels of suck... Batista vs. Ooo-Manga! Umaga is only good when his opponent is a miracle worker (e.g. Shawn Michaels, Triple H) or is good at David vs. Goliath matches (e.g. John Cena). Batista is neither. So, I am pretty sure we are going to see a shit ton of botched spots and a fucked up ending where Raw wins, but not really.

Estimate Predicted Match Length: 13 minutes

Predicted Match Rating: 1/2*

Predicted Honors: "Biggest Clusterfuck," "Most Botched Spots," "Bathroom Break Match"

Predicted Winner: Umaga

Possible Flair Retirement Match
Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair

The Story Thus Far According to WWE.com: "When Shawn Michaels looks at Ric Flair, he sees his inspiration – a man he idolized as a young boy who dreamed of one day being the best in the squared circle. When the “Nature Boy” looks at Michaels, he sees his living legacy. He is proud to know that he had such a great influence on all-time greats such as HBK and was in part responsible for careers. If Flair had to end his career, he couldn’t think of a better opponent than Michaels – and that’s why this inductee to the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2008 challenged The Showstopper to a Career Threatening Match at WrestleMania XXIV. Flair has been fighting for his career since November, when Mr. McMahon gave him a win-or-you-must retire ultimatum. The next match Flair loses in singles competition in any way will be his last. He will be forced to retire."

My Opinion: This is the one match on the card that gives this night a feeling that we get for Wrestlemania. I've felt that Ric Flair has one more classic in him. His classics have been few and far between since he joined WWE in 2001 (e.g. Triple H on RAW in May of 2003 & Mick Foley's I Quit Match were his latest classics).

So, Flair has been on his retirement tour this past 6 months and it hasn't quite been what we would want from Flair's last few months, but it all changed when they booked Shawn Michaels vs. Ric "Old Yeller" Flair. Shawn Michaels, without a doubt, has had match of the night in most WrestleMania's he has participated in (e.g. X, XI, XII, XIV, XIX, XX, 21, and 23, without a doubt). So, this match is going to be intense. There is going to be a lot of drama. There is going to be a lot of close falls. Its going to be a lot of fun.

Estimate Predicted Match Length: 26 minutes

Predicted Match Rating: *****

Honors: "Match of the Night," "Most Tearjerking Match"

Predicted Winner: Shawn Michaels

The Best vs. The Biggest, Boxer vs. Wrestler
Floyd "Money Mayweather Jr. vs. The Big Show

The Story Thus Far According to WWE.com: "The showdown between WBC Welterweight Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Big Show at WrestleMania XXIV is more than a clash of titans. It’s more than your classic “David vs. Goliath” battle. It’s a showdown between the greatest fighter in the world and one of the largest athletes on Earth. It’s a high-stakes battle for pride that neither man can afford to lose – and that only The Grandest Stage of Them All could contain. The seeds of the Mayweather-Show rivalry were planted at No Way Out, when the 7-foot, 400-pound Superstar taunted the six-time boxing champion, and was left bloodied with a broken nose. Mayweather, a longtime WWE fan and friend of Rey Mysterio, was in attendance trying to enjoy the show, but couldn’t stand by and watch Big Show bully Mysterio and try to “punk him out” with a challenge. Big Show, who was returning to WWE after a 14-month absence, was attempting to make a statement, but in the end, he may have gotten more than he bargained for. His melee with Mayweather may have sparked headlines around the world, but it also left him embarrassed. That’s why Show laid down the gauntlet. And Mayweather, who admits he “loves publicity,” couldn’t help but emphatically accept – as a fighter, a showman and a man."

My Opinion: While this match has that Wrestlemania specialness feel, I have a bad feeling that the smart mark fans that usually attend Wrestlemania are going to turn on both performers. Envision Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar from Wrestlemania XX, only without Stone Cold.

Estimate Predicted Match Length: 9 minutes

Predicted Match Rating: *1/2

Predicted Honors: "Most Stalling in a Match," "Most Likely to Have the Crowd Turn On Both of the Performers Match"

Predicted Winner: The Big Show

Bunnymania
Lumberjill Match Featuring Snoop Dogg as Master of
Ceremonies
Beth Phoenix & Melina vs. Ashley & Maria

The Story Thus Far According to WWE.com: "Maria’s posing in Playboy Magazine has stirred jealousy in the Divas locker room. Some, like Women’s Champion, The Glamazon Beth Phoenix, and Melina, resent the attention Maria has attracted. They believe that they – not “one-dimensional eye candy” like Maria – deserve the spotlight. They hate the fact that Ashley, who has taken the place of former Women's Champion and fellow Playboy cover girl Candice Michelle, was one of the women who paved the way for Divas like Maria to get an opportunity in Playboy. So, these four beautiful women will have a point to prove to one other and the world when they square off at in the first-ever Playboy BunnyMania Lumberjack Match at WrestleMania XXIV. WWE Divas will surround the ring while the four ladies battle inside the squared circle. But there will be a very special guest at BunnyMania - Snoop Dogg will make a special appearance and will be the Master of Ceremonies at the BunnyMania Lumberjack Match."

My Opinion: So far, no one has been able to explain to me what the fuck Bunnymania even is other than a glorified Tag Team Match. Is everyone dressed like bunnies? Are the Lumberjills in Bunny costumes? Is it a bra & panty match? What the fuck is Snoop Dogg has to do with anything?!`

Estimate Predicted Match Length: 4 minutes

Predicted Match Rating: 1/4*

Predicted Honors: "A Spectacle-Enriched Segment With A Whole Lotta Nothing"

Predicted Winners: Ashley & Maria

WWE Title Match
Triple H vs. Randy Orton (champion) vs. John Cena

The Story Thus Far According to WWE.com: "In many ways, the Triple Threat Match between Triple H, John Cena and WWE Champion Randy Orton at WrestleMania XXIV has been brewing for years. When you have three elite Superstars who all want the same thing, there’s bound to be an explosion."

My Opinion: Well, at first I wasn't all that pumped for this match as it had no special meaning. However, WWE somehow twisted this match as a match that has been two years in the making. Cool. I can live with that.

I have a bad feeling that they might give the belt to John Cena. I hope not. I think its Triple H's turn to take it this go around. I've seen John Cena become the winner of the main events in WMs 21, 22, and 23. We do not need Super Cena to win yet another one!

So, I think its time The Game walks out with everything. Even if he's a McMahon, he's been busting his ass for the past couple of years, and I think he deserves a quick run at the top.

If not, then Orton could win the match, and the Money in the Bank winner could cash in his title match and become champion. No one could call it unfair because the guy just wrestled a tough MITB match, so it would at least be on a somewhat even playing field. So that is a very possible scenario.

Either way, this is going to be a fun match. Triple Threat matches are good
if done correctly.

Estimate Predicted Match Length: 33 minutes

Predicted Match Rating: ****1/4

Predicted Honors: "The Awesome 'Boo vs. Yay!' Match," "A Whole Lotta Screaming and Shouting at the TV Match of the Night"

Predicted Winner: Triple H

In conclusion, does this have potential to be the best Wrestlemania ever? God no. I could be surprised, but I doubt it. However, this does potential to be a fun and entertaining show.

Merry we meet,

RJ45