DaveyBoy's Wrestling Menu - WrestleMania W/L Records + WM22 Predictions & Hype
Submitted by DaveyBoy on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at 2:28 AM EST






THE WRESTLING MENU #169

Welcome one and all to the 169th edition of The Wrestling Menu, the column that is sure to satisfy your taste buds when it comes to discussing all things wrestling.

Whether you like the card or not, it's difficult not to be swept up in all the hype for WrestleMania 22. Later on in this column, I will predict the winners of all the matches, as well as talk about the card in general. But first, why don't we look back at the past & see which wrestlers have come out of WrestleMania on the 'W' side of the results column.

I have basically listed what I believe to be the top 50 relevant records of all previous 21 WrestleManias, including all those who are competing at this years event. For extra detail, I have split up each individuals singles record separately from their tag match record. Although it should be noted that I have included battle royal or gauntlet appearances as singles matches. Furthermore, any double disqualification or double countout, I have included as a draw.

With regards to the order I have placed the records in, they are a little arbitrary. But I have basically attempted to balance the win/loss record of each wrestler against the amount of WrestleMania appearances they have had. It's not definitive & the order's importance is (in most cases) insignificant.

Ok, I hope you enjoy this fact-filled look at the win/loss records of superstars from the past & present. I have not copied this from elsewhere. I have compiled the records myself, so if I have made an error of any sort, I apologize for doing so.

On with the show.....


APPETIZERS

WrestleMania Win/Loss Records

- The Undertaker: 13-0 in singles matches. (It should be noted that one of these was a handicap match that was initially booked as a tag-team bout.)
- Hulk Hogan: 7-1(Draw)-2 in singles matches & 1-1 in tag matches.
- Randy 'Macho Man' Savage: 7-3 in singles matches & 0-1 in tag matches.
- Edge: 2-0 in singles matches & 2-0 in tag matches.
- 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin: 5-2 in singles matches.
- Triple H: 6-4 in singles matches.
- Bret 'The Hitman' Hart: 4-5 in singles matches & 3-1 in tag matches. (2 of the singles losses were near-misses in battle royals.)
- Owen Hart: 2-2 in singles matches & 3-1(Draw)-0 in tag matches.
- The Ultimate Warrior: 3-1 in singles matches.
- 'The British Bulldog' DaveyBoy Smith: 1-0 in singles matches & 3-1-2 in tag matches.
- 'The Million Dollar Man' Ted Dibiase: 3-1-1 in singles matches & 1-2 in tag matches.
- Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat: 3-1 in singles matches.
- Scott 'Razor Ramon' Hall: 3-1 in singles matches.
- 'Ravishing' Rick Rude: 2-1-0 in singles matches.
- John Cena: 2-0 in singles matches.
- Rob Van Dam: 1-0 in singles matches & 1-0 in tag matches. (There's a trivia question; RVD & Cena are also unbeaten at 'Mania.)
- The Rock: 4-3 in singles matches & 0-1 in tag matches. (One of the singles wins was via reverse decision.)
- Brutus Beefcake: 2-2-0 in singles matches & 1-2 in tag matches.
- Jake 'The Snake' Roberts: 3-1-3 in singles matches & 0-1 in tag matches.
- Batista: 1-0 in singles matches & 1-1 in tag matches.
- Trish Stratus: 2-1 in singles matches.
- Andre The Giant: 2-1-2 in singles matches & 0-1 in tag matches.
- 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper: 2-1-2 in singles matches & 0-1 in tag matches.
- 'Hacksaw' Jim Duggan: 1-1-1 in singles matches & 1-0 in tag matches.
- Christian: 1-2 in singles matches & 2-0 in tag matches.
- Yokozuna: 2-2 in singles matches & 1-1 in tag matches.
- Mick Foley: 1-1 in singles matches & 1-1-1 in tag matches.
- Randy Orton: 0-1 in singles matches & 1-0 in tag matches.
- Kurt Angle: 3-4 in singles matches.
- Eddie Guerrero: 2-1 in singles matches & 0-2 in tag matches.
- Shawn Michaels: 3-6 in singles matches & 1-2 in tag matches.
- Chris Benoit: 2-3 in singles matches & 0-1 in tag matches.
- Shelton Benjamin: 0-1 in singles matches & 1-1 in tag matches.
- Rick Martel: 1-2 in singles matches & 1-2 in tag matches.
- Rey Mysterio: 1-2 in singles matches.
- Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine: 1-3 in singles matches & 1-2 in tag matches.
- The Junkyard Dog: 1-2 in singles matches & 0-1 in tag matches. (One of the singles losses was a battle royal.)
- King Kong Bundy: 1-2 in singles matches & 0-1 in tag matches.
- Ric Flair: 0-2 in singles matches & 1-0 in tag matches.
- Curt 'Mr Perfect' Hennig: 1-3 in singles matches.
- Matt Hardy: 1-0 in singles matches & 0-3 in tag matches.
- Chris Jericho: 2-5 in singles matches.
- Kane: 1-5 in singles matches & 1-0 in tag matches.
- JBL: 0-1 in singles matches & 1-3 in tag matches.
- Booker T: 0-2 in singles matches & 1-0 in tag matches.
- Tito Santana: 1-3 in singles matches & 0-4 in tag matches.
- Vince McMahon: 0-2 in singles matches.
- The Dudley Boyz: 0-4 in tag matches.
- Goldust: 0-4 in singles matches & 0-1 in tag matches.
- The Big Show: 0-6 in singles matches.

Ok, so there you have the 50 most relevant WrestleMania win/loss records. Some of those records may surprise you, especially the below average ones (in terms of results) from Michaels, Benoit, Flair, Jericho, Kane, The Dudleyz, Goldust and last but not least; The Big Show!


MAIN

WrestleMania 22 Predictions

EDGE vs MICK FOLEY in a Hardcore Match: This may seem a strange choice as the opener, but I believe it to be the best fit for the order of the card as there will be a similar ‘No Holds Barred’ match later on in the night. Plus, with a mixed response to the WrestleMania card this year, I feel that the WWE have to kick the event off with a bang (bang)! This match-up has received a predominantly negative reaction, but I feel that it does have the potential to be entertaining, while serving the obvious purpose. I wouldn’t be totally surprised if Foley somehow emerged victorious, as it’s possible to put the loser over in such a match. But I’m playing it safe here & predicting that the man with the push gets the win. Winner: Edge

CANDICE MICHELLE vs TORRIE WILSON in a Playboy Pillow Fight: From burning tables & thumbtacks to the danger of pillows!!! Who knows, Candice may use a loaded pillow here & bust Torrie open… Then she could torture the little mutt! Ok, maybe not. Pretty predictable stuff here. The 2 ladies come out in lingerie, look lovely & swing a few pillows at each other. Then, however the result is determined, Candice is declared the winner. If not, she (& possibly Victoria) will get revenge afterwards somehow. Winner: Candice Michelle

SHELTON BENJAMIN vs ROB VAN DAM vs RIC FLAIR vs MATT HARDY vs FINLAY vs BOBBY LASHLEY in a 'Money In The Bank' Ladder Match: I figure this 6 man match will be placed early on the card similarly to last year. Plus, the weapons theme may as well be continued. This match has copped some flak in the build-up & while some of it is partially deserved, I don’t think it will matter come the night. I have faith that the WWE will go out of their way to book this well & there is sufficient talent in the ring to get the job done. Plus, the sheer difference of such a match will result in interest. The only real concern is the unpredictability factor, as I believe there to be only 3 winning chances. I just can’t see Benjamin, Finlay or Hardy having a chance of victory. My gut feeling from the hints that have been dropped on Raw (& wwe.com) since basically the start of the year, tells me that we may see the veteran Flair get another title shot soon. As I have said previously, that TLC Match between Flair & Edge from Raw in late January really may have opened up the doors of opportunity for both men. Winner: Ric Flair

CHRIS BENOIT vs JOHN BRADSHAW LAYFIELD for the United States Title: This appears to be a solid match-up, although I would have preferred a stronger build-up. There is still something about that hand injury that JBL apparently suffered that seems off. In terms of match quality, Benoit is in the ring, so it will be decent at worst. It’s just a matter of JBL translating his fantastic mic work of late into his wrestling intensity & this could actually be a very good bout. While some will disagree, I also feel that the unpredictability factor works into this match’s favor. The WWE have proved in the past that they are willing to use Benoit as a transitional champion to put over his opponents. And while I am basically going against my usual anti-short title reign theory, I am currently swinging towards JBL continuing his top-notch promos on SmackDown with the aptly named United States Title around his waist. Winner: JBL

KANE & THE BIG SHOW vs CARLITO & CHRIS MASTERS for the World Tag-Team Titles: Another solid midcard match where the booking of the bout will be interesting. It’s detractors state this match is simply a battle between 2 makeshift teams. While this is true, I still like the match-up & the dynamic involved. Masters & Carlito have both picked up their work (both in & out of the ring) of late, while their feuding partners routine is a nice variation on an unoriginal theme (due to the 'cocky rookies' method being employed). As long as this bout doesn’t drag on for too long, I can see them putting together a solid bout too. On any other pay-per-view, I wouldn’t mind the result going either way. But this is WrestleMania, so barring the absence of a big spot (which is unlikely with the other matches on the card), the youngsters should be put over (pardon the pun) big time. Winner: Carlito & Chris Masters

TRISH STRATUS vs MICKIE JAMES for the Womens Title: Make no mistake, the build-up for this match has been better than any other bout on this card. In fact, it’s a build-up resembling prior WrestleMania main events! I’m still in awe of the terrific promo/beatdown given by Mickie James 10 days ago on Raw. But in reality, this feud has been simmering for close to 6 months! The good thing is that both ladies can wrestle too. Plus, we’ve only seen them go at it once on WWE programming, so the bout will seem fresh. This is another match where the result is uncertain. The winner will depend on what result the WWE believe will continue the feud for the longest amount of time, but I am unsure of that answer myself. I’m almost tempted to go with Trish just to have someone retain a title at this event, but I’m going with my gut feeling & saying that her long title reign may end here. Winner: Mickie James

THE UNDERTAKER vs MARK HENRY in a Casket Match: This is a dangerous placement for this bout, as I believe it needs to include a big spot of some sort to be successful. But will Vince want that so close to his ‘No Holds Barred’ match against HBK? Some are predicting this could be one of the worst WrestleMania matches ever, but I really don’t feel it will be that bad. The Undertaker is coming off a good series of matches against Kurt Angle, while Mark Henry hasn’t put out any stinkers of late. Having said that, I can’t see this being very good & believe it needs some sort of big spot to be above average. And my extra prediction is that the WWE will be swamped with hate mail if they allow Mark Henry to emerge victorious. Winner: The Undertaker

SHAWN MICHAELS vs VINCE McMAHON in a 'No Holds Barred' Match: Some have suggested this could actually main-event this card, but past Vince matches have suggested that it won’t. The only possible chance this has of main-eventing, is if Bret Hart was to make an unlikely run-in. Sorry to ruin everyone’s expectations & wildest dreams, but I don’t believe that has much chance of happening. As for the bout’s quality, there has been too much time invested into this feud for them not to put on a great show. Expect the usual lashings of violence, spots & interference attempts. There may even be something original that gets thrown in. Furthermore, Michaels has stepped it up of late & looks really motivated for whatever reason. As for the result, HBK must get some payback for his job to Hogan last year & Shane McMahon on the SNME special. Winner: Shawn Michaels

BOOKER T & SHARMELL vs THE BOOGEYMAN in a Handicap Match: I figure that this may be the best match to throw in following what will likely be a torrid ‘No Holds Barred’ match. Kudos to Booker T (& to a lesser extent, Sharmell) for getting this feud over. It’s really been all about his reactions to The Boogeyman. And what great reactions they have been! Hard to see this match amounting to much quality-wise, although they have had long enough to rehearse it. My guess is that the booking will be placed more into the entertainment side of things & I feel that would be wise. And of course, this must be kept short! As for the result, I’m unsure it really matters, so I will go on the face/heel win ratio I have & say that….. Winner: The Boogeyman

JOHN CENA vs TRIPLE H for the WWE Championship: If not all for the right reasons, this may be the most interesting match on the card. The WWE have played a straight bat (cricketing talk for being safe & predictable) with this feud so far, but it was a feud that needed exactly the opposite. Some of their booking has been good & has earned the champ some cheers of late, but it appears to be too little too late to save him from what will most probably be a bloodthirsty Chicago crowd on the night. This has actually swayed my mind on the result of late, as I originally felt that Cena retaining the title may have been a decent swerve. But now, I just can’t see it happening & would think it would be an unwise booking/business decision. As for the match quality, it could depend on Triple H’s mood. I can’t help but feel this will be similar to his previous WrestleMania title matches against Chris Jericho & Booker T! Winner: Triple H

KURT ANGLE vs RANDY ORTON vs REY MYSTERIO in a Triple-Threat Match for the World HeavyWeight Title: The match I am most looking forward to, as I explained in my column 2 weeks ago (http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2006/articles/1142416735.php). I just feel that this match has it all & the anticipation factor deserves to be high. The build-up has been sufficient, the dynamic appears to be good, while the 3 men can get it done in the ring. I can see why some people are suggesting that it doesn’t stand out as a WrestleMania main-event, but it may be that the days of such a match are gone. I don’t feel that the triple-threat match type will pose much of a problem to these 3 & if booked cleverly, it should actually work in it’s favor.

But this bout does admittedly probably need an X Factor to make it great. Most are suggesting that a fairytale title win for Rey Mysterio is that X Factor. While that will suffice, I am suggesting (after feedback from a few readers) a second X Factor; Batista! When he unexpectedly showed up just to talk at ‘No Way Out’, the crowd went nuts. Imagine if he was to play a part in this match! While an unclean finish to a WrestleMania main-event isn’t perfect, I think if he was to come out & powerbomb the cheating Randy Orton to enable Rey to get the win, not many people would have too much of a problem. I’m not totally certain of that result though & common sense tends to suggest an Orton win here. While I will be cheering for the fairytale Rey win (& that was my initial prediction), my gut-feeling suggests that Batista's crowd-popping appearance may be following a heel WrestleMania main-event win! Winner: Randy Orton

That’s the 11 scheduled matches for this card. If anything were to be added, it would be some sort of cruiserweight title match or tag-team championship match. Helms vs London or MnM vs The MexiCools would not look totally out of place on this card. Just to be different to the rest of my predictions, I predict that the reigning titleholders will retain if either of these bouts take place.


DESSERT

WrestleMania 22 Hype

There seems to be a lot more opinion this year concerning the overall card for WrestleMania. It’s predominantly negative talk, but this has in turn created rather strong opposition stating that the card lacks nothing compared to previous years. To be honest, I’m a little neither here nor there concerning the whole argument. But I may not be the best person to ask as I order all WWE pay-per-views anyway. But what about the more casual fans? Those people who buy the occasional ppv event & will pretty much always purchase WrestleMania?

I think there is a strong argument to suggest that the buyrates won’t be as high this year as in previous years, and I believe there to be 2 main reasons for this:

(1) The lack of one super drawing match. I’ve already stated that I love the idea of the Triple-Threat World HeavyWeight Title bout, but even that is admittedly not going to draw a huge amount of casual fans. I’m almost certain that the original match that was partially planned to take up this position on the card was Hulk Hogan vs ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin. But I personally don’t blame the WWE for not being able to get that match-up to the line. The other planned huge match of Triple H vs John Cena is on the card, but various circumstances have seemed to restrict the effectiveness of this feud & match.

(2) The lack of a match that is sure to deliver. I’m not too sure about this argument (due to my fondness of the triple-threat match), but am willing to admit that there is a general perception amongst fans that this is the case. If you recall last year in the lead up to WrestleMania 21, there was a similar feeling to this year, especially considering there was not a super drawing match last year either. But what WrestleMania 21 did have was Shawn Michaels vs Kurt Angle & Eddie Guerrero vs Rey Mysterio. Despite a slight feeling of disappointment by some about the latter bout, these 2 matches were almost certain to deliver the goods on the night & had the potential to be 10 out of 10 matches. With the possible exception of the triple-threat match, I see no potential 10 out of 10 match on this year’s card.

A third suggested deficiency of this installment of WrestleMania is the lack of a long build-up to many of the matches. This argument suggests that in the past, feuds that culminated at WrestleMania had been brewing for at least 4 months. Well, I hate to ruin the dreams of the people who think this, but those days are long gone as far as I am concerned. With monthly ppvs, 2 weekly television shows & the occasional network special, it’s simply too difficult to keep 2 wrestlers (a heel & a face) away from each other for that long. Sure, it can happen to a certain extent, but have a look at why it occurred in the 2 cases this year: (a) Mickie & Trish were friends & tag-team partners, while (b) Vince McMahon isn’t a wrestler.

But do these 2 (or 3) reasons mean that it’s going to be a below-average card? No, I don’t think so. That’s not to say that it definitely won’t be, but there is clearly enough on this card to put together a very good event if the booking & performances are up to the challenge. In fact, I feel that there is a fair bit of interest when it comes to how successful some of the matches will be, as well as their result. I don’t feel that this card is as predictable as many are claiming. But If I am incorrect & get 11 out of 11 predictions right, then I won’t complain!

Pertaining to the matches themselves, despite the possible duplication arising from the Edge vs Foley & HBK vs Vince matches, both of them should be entertaining & serve a purpose. Many just don’t care about the Edge vs Foley hardcore match, but Foley’s promo about 10 days ago on Raw lifted the intensity, while I just have that feeling that Edge is a man on a mission right now (and no, I don’t mean he is the former tag-team partner of Viscera!). The same could be said of HBK who just seems really motivated of late. I don’t know if this could potentially be his last ‘Mania as a full-time wrestler or what, but something has lit a fire under his a$$ & got him out of the little lull that he went through late last year.

The ‘Money In The Bank’ Ladder match is another bout which should be entertaining. While I am a little disappointed that there are not more potential winners in the bout, I think the intrigue of the actual winner still holds some interest. Look for this to once more be a match where someone tries to (pardon the pun) step up. It may be Shelton again this year, but don’t be surprised if Lashley surprisingly fits in rather well.

Man, what can I say about the Women’s Title match. That in-ring segment from 10 or so days ago on Raw made us forget the anti-climacticness of the actual heel turn. Sure, it helped that Mickie's nose was bleeding, but the whole thing was just perfectly booked. And we may just very well have the best duo of female wrestlers ever to step into the ring at WrestleMania, so the actual match could be good for once.

Then we have the 2 main events. They are both so different, but from an anticipation perspective, both have a fair bit to offer. I have spoken enough about the SmackDown triple-threat match over the past couple of weeks, so I won’t add to that. But with Triple H vs John Cena, no wrestling fan could be bored with what could potentially occur here. There are just so many questions to be answered: Can the 2 put together an above average match? Will Cena get booed out of Chicago? Will Triple H get cheered? Could the WWE be planning a double turn? Would the WWE risk leaving the title on Cena? There’s probably more that I can’t think of right now. Now none of these may be answered in a positive way & we may just get a boring match. But as they have always stated; “Anything can happen in the WWE”.

I’ll leave it there. I’m fairly confident that the WWE will get the job done on the night. I’m not totally certain of it, but I think they will. I also have had this feeling that they have something up their sleeve for a while now. I’m not sure what it is, but I just have that gut feeling. It could be something I have mentioned (double turn, Batista appearance, Rey title win) or something totally out of the blue. I personally don’t think that Bret Hart will get involved in any angle, but who knows. Either way, let’s cross our fingers. To those planning on watching WrestleMania 22; Enjoy. To those that are not; You always have my review to look forward to next Wednesday!


Ok, that's all I have for edition #169 of 'The Wrestling Menu'. Please don't hesitate to let me know what you thought of my 'WrestleMania 22' Predictions. And how about those WrestleMania win/loss records... Did anything surprise you...??? As per usual, I will reply to everyone. BUT please be patient, as I have a busy week coming up & will not have access to my email from Friday through Sunday! My e-mail address is DaveyBoy123@bigpond.com

Or alternately, if you are an LOPForums member, you may also leave feedback by clicking on the following link: http://www.lopforums.com/showthread.php?t=4889

Next Wednesday's 'Wrestling Menu' will obviously include my 'WrestleMania 22' Review. I just hope that the WWE comes through with the goods. I will also most probably take a look at the road ahead for the 2 WWE brands, as I usually do following the WrestleMania pay-per-view. So look out for that column same Wednesday time & same LOP channel next week. Until then, this is DaveyBoy signing off & asking you to remember that dinner is best served in 3 courses.


DaveyBoy's Wrestling Menu. 2002-2006

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***DIRECT LINK*** The INFAMOUS Brooke Adams SPRING BREAK CONTEST! Amazing!

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