BIG TIME!

You know, last friday, I promised to drop some more fantasy baseball rankings, but screw it, IT'S WRESTLEMANIA WEEKEND! I could write up a column about how one of my all time favorites, Lance Storm, is coming out of retirement to compete for Philadelphia based independant promotion Ring of honor, but I'm afraid about only 5% of the population cares about Indy wrestling.

But as for 'Mania, here's the predictions:




JBL vs. Chris Benoit(c) (U.S Title Match)

I feel like this would be a solid opener. JBL's hand is all better, and this should be a stiff, very entertaining encounter. Benoit just won the title, and JBL jobbed to the Boogeyman as recently as 2 months ago, so all signs point to Benoit retaining. However, Lashley is ready for a U.S title run, and JBL would be the perfect guy for him to fued with over it. I tought their previous feud should have lasted longer.

Winner: JBL





Candice Michelle vs. Torrie Wilson (Playboy Pillow fight)

As much as I love wrestling, I hate this crap. Keep my hot chicks, and my wrestling seperate, especially at the biggest event of the year. It's the "showcase of the immortals," not a damn T-n-A (pun not intended) contest. We really need this on the card over MnM defending the titles? Candice has had all the Playboy hype, she'll win, but we're all losers for having seen this.

Winner: Candice


Ric Flair vs. RVD vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Matt Hardy vs. Fit Finlay vs. Bobby Lashley (MITB Ladder Match)

A lot of great elements in this match. The athleticism of RVD, Hardy, and Shelton, the stiffness of Finlay, the brute power of Lashley, and the greatest of all time, Ric Flair. Looking forward to some creative spots in this match, with all the diverse styles. Hardy and Finlay don't have a shot to win, Shelton looks to have a nice IC title run ahead, and Lashley isn't ready to compete for the heavyweight title. That leaves Flair and RVD. A creative way to book this, would be to have RVD win it, then cash in his title shot at ECW One Night Stand. However, giving Flair one last run at the title would be fun as well, from a nostalgia standpoint.

Winner: Ric Flair


Kane/Big Show(c) vs. Carlito/Masters (Raw Tag Team Title Match)

I think this will be a nice little match, even though most are down on it. Carlito has a lot of tricks up his sleeve, and performing at 'Mania is the fastest way to get a push the main event (besides marrying the bosses daughter). I'm not a Chris Masters' fan, but Carlito and he would make nice heel champions. Show and Kane need the titles off them if they want us to keep caring baout the division. Although, I always will, as I am a big mark for tag team wrestling.

Winner: Carlito & Masters


Booker T & Sharmell vs. The Boogeyman (Handicap Match)

The only other match on the card I'm not looking forward to besides the pillow fight. JBL was 11 month champ and jobbed to Boogey, so they're not going to have him lose. I think he'll get the pinfall victory over Sharmell, as having Boogey pin Booker would be just about the stupidest thing they could do. But it is the WWE, so who knows.

Winner: Boogeyman


Edge vs. Mick Foley (Hardcore Match)

Definately the match I'm most looking forward to. Mick has promised us a Wrestlemania moment, and they've already teased thumbtacks, barbed-wire bates, and flaming tables. This is going to be a bloodfest, where both guys will juice heavy. There will be the one big spot that will make this Mick Foley's WM moment, but Edge steals it with help from Lita.

Winner: Edge


The Undertaker vs. Mark Henry (Casket Match)

If the Undertaker's win streak ends at the hands of Mark Henry, I'll eat my hat. 14-0 Nufced.

Winner: Undertaker


Vince McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels (No Holds Barred Match)

Hmmm.... will this match be able to top Shawn's match with Shane? I really think it would have been better to put Shane/Shawn at 'Mania, and let Shane do his crazy ass thang, but this match will still work because McMahon will bleed heavily, and everyone will enjoy seeing Shawn beat te crap out of him. Still have no clue why this fued started, but thankfully/hopefully it will be over after 'Mania. They probably have something planned as far as a debut/return run in is concerned. Much like Roddy Piper as WM 19.

Winner: Shawn Michaels


Trish Stratus(c) vs. Mickie James (Women's Title Match)

The best built program in some time, and the 1st women's match I have looked forward to in 3 years. Mickie James is amazing. absolutely great physcotic character, and the bloody-nosed kiss skit on Raw was great. should be a very good match like the one they had at New Years Revolution. Hope this fued keeps going.

Winner: Mickie James


John Cena(c) vs. Triple H (WWE Title Match)

Yes, we all are sick of Cena with the strap, and after putting over people at the last 2 'Mania's, HHH will take back the gold here. Chicago crowd will obviously be giving Cena plenty of Heat, and a heel turn for Cena would be GREAT, as long as it didn't come at the expense of turning HHH face, which it would have to. Oh, the heel turn is a comin', just not yet.

Winner: HHH


Kurt Angle(c) vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton (Heavyweight Title Match)

This match should go on last. Angle won't win it, as he has a history of losing at 'Mania, and he needs time off for his neck. So it comes down to Rey or Randy. The WWE has been pushing the Eddie angle all winter, and it would only make sense to have it culminate in his friend Rey winning the title. Plus, randy and rey could fued all spring until Batista comes back. Triple threats are tough, but if they do it right (and I think they will), we could have a rare case of having the main event be the best match on the card.

Winner: Rey Mysterio