DaveyBoy’s Wrestling Menu – WM24 Reader Ideas + Armageddon Predictions
Submitted by DaveyBoy on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at 12:07 AM EST






THE WRESTLING MENU #254

Welcome one and all to the 254th edition of The Wrestling Menu, the column that is sure to satisfy your taste buds when it comes to discussing all things wrestling.

Following on from my last column where I attempted to predict / book the upcoming WrestleMania 24 card, all I can say is that I am pleased that I gave myself 2 weeks to do my follow up. To say that I was bombarded with feedback & ideas is an understatement. Despite the time it took me to get through all of the feedback (especially with so many of them being very very detailed), I do appreciate them all & thank everyone who took the time to email me.

I have decided to go with a rather simple structure to my column today. I will begin with more specific feedback that I received on my card (in the 'Appetizers' section) & then progress with what I believed to be the 10 best (or at least most popular) alternative matches sent to me via feedback. Following that, I have a pay-per-view to predict & I do something that I didn't think I would do for a long time.

I can tell you what writing my WrestleMania 24 column has done; It has got me more than a little pumped up for the next 4 months of WWE programming. In amongst the emails I received, quite a few decided to detail their booking leading up to the grand-daddy of them all. And that timeframe obviously includes the upcoming 'Armageddon' ppv which is shaping up well, the always entertaining 'Royal Rumble' & a 'No Way Out' card rumored to be headlined by a #1 Contenders Elimination Chamber Match. Throw in 'Mania being held at an outdoor stadium in front of 60,000+ people & it should be good times ahead for wrestling fans.

Anyway, before I get too far ahead of myself, it's on with the show.....


APPETIZERS

Feedback To My WM24 Card

If you had yet to read my booking / predicting of WrestleMania 24, you may still do so by clicking on the following link: http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2007_/articles/1196244276.php

I have attempted to book each WrestleMania card approximately 4 months before it occurs for the past 3-4 years now. I still distinctly recall some of the feedback I received for my early efforts & it wasn't pretty. Really, I am on a hiding to nothing writing such a column as my chances of being anywhere near half correct are remote. In past years, readers have seemed to have no hesitation in letting me know how bad my booking was. Of course, it seemed to be irrelevant that their booking was even more incorrect, I was the one writing the column, so I was going to get a piece of their mind!

If anything though, I have been rather pleasantly surprised with feedback to the card I put together this year. I am hoping that is not just because I have been writing for LOP so long now, but because WWE fans genuinely felt I have booked a good WrestleMania event that they would gladly pay to watch. The cards I received from readers this year almost seemed to be modifications of my own, as opposed to totally different booking from start to finish. That has to be a good sign.

Two matches I booked were practically unanimous amongst feedback. Both occur on the SmackDown side of the ledger which probably states something equally about their talent depth & their better long-term booking. Like me, many fans will be disappointed if Edge vs The Undertaker does not take place in Orlando come March. Readers may have differed on who entered & left the bout as champion, but the match-up should definitely take place. Just as a sidenote here, I am personally easing on my opinion of Edge ending 'Takers streak here & am about 50-50 on that right now. The other match clearly agreed upon by fans was MVP vs Matt Hardy for the U.S Title.

Many mistook my main-event of Randy Orton vs Triple H as what I personally wanted to see occur. That's not necessarily the case as I simply feel this is the way WWE is heading & they feel that this will best sell such a large show. I had other singles match suggestions that I will get to in the 'Main' section of my column, but if anything, I would probably prefer a triple-threat match here with either HBK or Jericho added to the mix. The problem is that if this is going to be the main-event of the night, then WWE have always preferred a singles bout in that position.

The biggest annoyance of the feedback I received this year was thrown at me close to 20 times! It went something like this: "Davey, how can you have HBK & Jericho battling Kennedy for the InterContinental title when 2 of them are above the IC Title?" My placing of that match-up as an IC Title bout was simply an incidental way of attempting to elevate the belt. But the thing that irked me was the fact that many readers felt the match-up didn't work because the IC title was involved. That is bordering on ridiculous & my response was to simply remove the title from the bout. I still feel these 3 could steal the show with a match of the year contender because the dynamic between them could be brilliant.

The match-up I was most worried about in feedback was my tag-team bout involving Ric Flair. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the bout went over well as it used up all 4 combatants decently, along with being booked & set up logically. Most still preferred it to be split into 2 singles bouts (Flair vs Vince separated from Batista vs Lashley) as long as Flair lived to fight another night. The more I think about it anyway, if this match-up was the option chosen, Flair should win at 'Mania & then be retired by whoever (Lashley?) one night later on Raw. By the way, the idea to turn Lashley heel went over really well & most agreed that he should be paired with Vince upon return.

Just moving quickly through my remaining bouts... Readers agreed with my Women's Title options, with the Fatal Fourway being a little more popular. Ditto for the 2 options I presented for the ECW Title Match, but this time the singles bout of Punk vs Benjamin looking the goods. Meanwhile, many felt that my Money In The Bank Ladder Match was a little thin on potential winners. That's a valid criticism & I agree that if some shuffling resulted in a potential extra winner or 2, then it would be a positive.

Just on the MITBank Ladder Match, it was asked by a few readers how a Ladder Match will take place outdoors. That's a great question as the title will have to hang from something. I presume WWE will be able to work it out with lighting beams & towers, but this could be worth keeping in mind as the date gets closer. I wonder if an Ultimate X kind of contraption could be looked at here!

One final valid piece of feedback on my card came in question form from a handful of readers: "Davey, where is your WrestleMania moment?" That is indeed a good question & something I hadn't thought of previously. But I feel that WrestleMania moments may be more special the less that they are planned & the more that they just occur. And I do feel that it is possible for at least 6 of the bouts that I have booked to present such a moment. One other thing that I purposefully did not do is book any match-up as a gimmick match. That's not to say I don't want one to exists, as I do. I just think its best left to closer to the event to decide. Wherever that answer lies could also be the answer to your WrestleMania moment!


MAIN

WrestleMania 24 Reader Ideas

What I have done here is taken 10 alternative singles matches that were suggested by readers claiming they could take place at WrestleMania 24. I will not name names (apart from one instance) when it comes to who suggested them to me as many of them came via multiple sources. The list is a combination of what I think are either the best or most logical alternatives, or were simply the most popular that I saw. I can tell you right from the beginning that one idea put forward was way more popular than anything else I received, so I may as well begin with that one:

RIC FLAIR vs SHAWN MICHAELS: The logic here was that HBK doesn't appear to have an obvious direction after his feud with Kennedy ends. Furthermore, Flair's final opponent is not an obvious one. So not only is this match-up convenient, but wouldn't it be a darn interesting one... One where a great carrier in HBK could elevate the legend of The Nature Boy to a genuine classic bout. Despite being over face vs face matches lately, this is such an extraordinary match-up that I would have no issues with it. And this could even include a tweener heel HBK for some variety. The storyline writes itself with Vince hating both men & putting them together in a Retirement Match! Ok, I'm calling it now... Book this match & you may just have your WrestleMania Moment!

RIC FLAIR vs TRIPLE H: This has remained a popular choice for Flair's final match for some time now, as evidenced back in my poll on the subject a few months back. It's not too dissimilar to everything I have written above in the Flair vs HBK match-up, but with 2 differences: (1) It takes Triple H out of the main-event, and (2) it would most likely see Triple H turn heel. While I have no issues with either point taking place, I actually feel that both of them are less likely to occur, despite a number of rumors that have been gathering momentum of late.

TRIPLE H vs SHAWN MICHAELS: Speaking of rumors... This is one of the ones that have been doing the rounds. Many fans are against it simply because we have been there & done that. I am not as strongly against such an angle & feud myself, but I think it more comes down to the best timing more than anything else. Personally, I feel there will be an appropriate time for Triple H to turn heel & these 2 good friends to feud again, but I don't believe that time will be within the next 6 months. Some suggested it could better work with HBK turning heel, but I just see that as a gimmicked turn for the sake of it that would have no proper long-term reasoning.

RANDY ORTON vs CHRIS JERICHO: This was surprisingly a fairly popular option amongst feedback. I can tell you one thing folks; This will not be your main-event match-up. It just doesn't scream WrestleMania main-event to me! Could it slot in under Edge vs Undertaker? Maybe, but I even have my doubts about that. The only chance I see this match-up occurring is if the title was not in play & this was simply a nice midcard bout. But I don't even see that happening because the fact that these 2 are shaping up against each other at Armageddon is most likely because WWE wants this feud out of the way well before WrestleMania 24.

RANDY ORTON vs BATISTA: I must admit that I was also surprised about the popularity of this match-up option amongst feedback. It hadn't really entered my mind previously, but when you think about it, it makes a fair bit of sense & is very possible. If Triple H doesn't oppose Orton, then Batista may be the next best option as a fresh feud, whether the WWE Championship is on the line or not. The 'Evolution' history is obviously there & it would have a big match feel to it, partially because it is interbrand & partially because it contains the 2 current major titleholders in WWE. One thing I would be strong on if this match occurs is Batista remaining on SmackDown as that brand has been raped enough by Raw of late. So, in conclusion, this is an excellent idea IF Triple H is booked to be somewhere else.

BATISTA vs UMAGA: Another fresh option for Batista, who many people obviously believe will not be World HeavyWeight Champion come WrestleMania 24, is to have him face off against The Samoan Bulldozer. This could be in an interbrand match or a SmackDown bout if Umaga was to switch brands shortly as has been rumored. If things fell into place elsewhere for this match-up to be a possibility, then I would not be against it at all as it could be a decent big man match-up.

CM PUNK vs UMAGA: Another option for Umaga would be to send him over to the ECW roster & practically immediately install him as #1 contender to CM Punk's ECW Title. With Armando Estrada currently that brand's General Manager, this could make a fair bit of sense. It could also provide Punk with that viable top-class contender to his title that could result in a little more interest heading ECW's way. For these reasons, this is not a bad suggestion at all & is very possible IF things fall into place elsewhere.

VINCE McMAHON vs FINLAY: Current storylines suggest that this match-up will take place, but I'm not so sure that Finlay is the man that Vince would want to be involved with on the biggest stage of them all. Don't get me wrong, I like Finlay. But when it comes to his drawing power & his ability to successfully play a face, not only do I have concerns, but I think Vince has concerns. I would look for this match-up to possibly occur at 'The Royal Rumble' or 'No Way Out' instead.

MICK FOLEY in the 'Money In The Bank' Ladder Match: This was suggested by 3 or 4 readers who were looking for a way to strengthen my MITBank star power. It's actually not a bad thought, especially when considering the success of Foley's WrestleMania match against Edge a couple of years back. I don't think Mick would really need to do anything silly either. Just the thought of it could be enough to draw. He could be easily hidden in the bout, while contributing to it in a more storyline sense. This is especially the case if WWE decide to include 8 participants similarly to last year!

I felt it appropriate to list just one final idea that I received via feedback. From memory, it was actually one-out & not suggested by anyone else, but that's not necessarily the reason why I am mentioning it here. It's more because it happened to be included in what was by far the longest & most detailed card that I received from anyone. This person sent me a rather thorough booking of basically the next 4 months, leading up to his eventual WrestleMania 24 card. He agreed with me that Orton vs Jericho could not work as a main-event, but would be a nice upper-card compliment to what he chose as the #1 Raw bout of the night. So, here is an interesting match-up that we may have all forgotten about courtesy of 'Wrestling Menu' reader Oliver Lloyd:

TRIPLE H vs MR.KENNEDY for the WWE Championship & to be Vince's Heir of WWE: Remember back to approximately 6 months back; This appeared to be the way WWE were going with their WrestleMania 24 main-event if rumors were to be believed. Now, the match-up is not even on the radar. But is there time to still book it? Could it still be revealed that Triple H put the lawyers up to announcing that Hornswoggle was Vince's son, when it was really Kennedy? If there is time, this feud would naturally take place afterwards & would hardly need any time to be set up. Then it's just a matter of deciding whether or not the title would be involved & getting it on Triple H if the answer was a positive. Don't get me wrong, I still consider this option a longshot due to the time factor & Kennedy's experience, but it wouldn't be the worst match-up WWE could book.


DESSERT

Armageddon Predictions

MVP vs REY MYSTERIO for the United States Title: This is a very good title feud to put together for a couple of months leading up to the peak period for WWE. And it could potentially make for one hell of a ppv opener here as well. Although, to be honest, I am not expecting this to be booked to be the best match between these 2 as I have a feeling that the feud could be dragged on for a little longer, using the happenings in this match as a springboard of sorts. That doesn’t mean this still won’t be of good quality as Rey almost always delivers an entertaining bout to some extent. However, it would not surprise me at all to see a cheap ending, possibly even a disqualification win to Mysterio. Either way, I am fairly confident that MVP emerges with his title, so I will predict that he will get the win in some sort of sneaky fashion. Winner: MVP

CM PUNK & KANE vs BIG DADDY V & MARK HENRY: This is a decently booked match as CM Punk needs to keep his presence known while his 2 last challengers (Miz & Morrison) now concentrate on their newly won tag-team championships. Furthermore, I think we all know how bad a singles bout between Punk & either Mark Henry or Big Daddy V will be, so it’s best to spread the load & include Kane to make it a tag match. Of course, that doesn’t mean this will be a classic, because it won’t. But if it is booked cleverly enough, it may keep the live crowd relatively interested. As for the result, I actually predict this to be one of the few face wins (in a non face vs face bout) on this card. Winners: CM Punk & Kane

FINLAY vs THE GREAT KHALI: This is also a fairly blah match-up which is simply being used to advance Finlay's face turn. Hell, if Khali cannot help that along, then no-one can! To that sense, the bout makes sense, but I just hope that the bookers (including Finlay who is sort of one himself) don't get carried away & think that the Irishman can perform miracles. This bout needs to be kept short with Hornswoggle & shillelagh shenanigans keeping the crowd involved throughout. Winner: Finlay

TRIPLE H vs JEFF HARDY in a #1 Contenders Match: Ok, go on... Sneak a look at my predicted winner! Yep, you read it correctly... I didn't think I would be doing this for quite a while, but I am predicting a Triple H pay-per-view loss! And this comes just a day after reading a report that Triple H should be booked to win this match! This match-up intrigues me just as much as anyone else, but I'd be a hypocrite to say that I agree with it as it is yet another face vs face WWE match in 2007! I still have to wonder why it has been booked & can only think that H may be the official tester to see if Jeff is ready to genuinely main-event at some point in 2008. I actually could have added Orton vs Jeff as one of the suggested WrestleMania 24 main-events, but I would personally book it at The Royal Rumble instead, hence the result I am predicting here. Quality-wise, this will be an interesting bout, but I can't help but think that the face vs face dynamic of it may hurt it. Winner: Jeff Hardy

BETH PHOENIX vs MICKIE JAMES for the Women's Title: I saw these 2 ladies go at it in a 'Best Of 3 Falls' match at a local house show a month back & let me tell you that it was the genuine surprise of the night in terms of match quality. So I really hope they are given a good 8 minutes or so here to prove themselves to the audience. If so, who knows what they could come up with here. As for the result, it looks like WWE are settling in with a long'ish heel title reign for Beth & I would agree that is the most logical & effective way to go. It wouldn't totally surprise me to see these 2 trade it back & forth for the next month or so in what could be a genuinely impressive feud, but I think the safest way to proceed is to keep the title on the heel. Winner: Beth Phoenix

SHAWN MICHAELS vs MR.KENNEDY: I like the idea to put these 2 together at this point in time... If KK is going to advance his experience as quickly as possible, then who better to learn from than the Heartbreak Kid? Furthermore, I like the way this feud has been booked thus far & see it continuing on into the new year. For that reason, I am actually keeping my expectations a little low for the quality of this bout as I see it more as a feud continuer more than anything else. This also makes the result a little dicey here, but I'll probably suggest that the heel gets first blood to shake the cobwebs out of HBK so that he can exact his revenge some time in the following months. Holy cow, I am predicting both HHH & HBK to lose on the same ppv... Stop the presses! Winner: Mr.Kennedy

RANDY ORTON vs CHRIS JERICHO for the WWE Championship: When we all found out the approximate date of Y2J's return, it was rather obvious that it would be Randy Orton that he would be setting his sights on. It made sense & I even have no real issue with Jericho getting a ppv title bout so soon after his WWE return. But I would be lying if I was to say that the feud has gone off anywhere near perfectly & has my interest at fever pitch. Furthermore, I just don't see much chance of Y2J emerging with the title here. A DQ victory is possible, but that would be about it. That leaves us with what will simply be a rather solid title match & nothing more, so let's hope that at the very least, these 2 mesh well together in the ring & give us some quality to fall back on. Winner: Randy Orton

BATISTA vs THE UNDERTAKER vs EDGE in a Triple-Threat Match for the World HeavyWeight Title: You know what? I don't feel that WWE (& more specifically the bookers on SmackDown) have been given enough kudos with the way they have been booking their SmackDown ppv main-events of late. And here is the perfect example of a match that should theoretically have everyone at fever pitch, but because it is on the ugly sister of WWE's brands, then it gets short-changed way too much. Not only will this more than likely be an excellent match-up, but it simply has so many ingredients contained within it that could make it a genuinely great match.

One of those ingredients is unpredictability & let me tell you how I see the probability of each man emerging with the title here; Batista = 34%, The Undertaker = 33% & Edge = 33%. And the only reason why I have Batista slightly ahead is that he has the safety net of retaining the title if a DQ or countout occurs. Even with Edge & 'Taker likely to win the title before WrestleMania, I have no idea which of them will. Furthermore, it may be too early for either to win it as that may mean that their feud may have to be started too early to set their 'Mania match up. So while it almost seems as if it is the long-shot of the options, I am going to predict that Batista retains here & then loses the title some time in the next 6 weeks. Winner: Batista

There is 'Armageddon' as it currently stands. To me, it looks stronger than what they usually throw together at this time of the year & that is one of the reasons why I am anticipating the next 4 months so much. With those 8 matches being promoted, I actually feel that may round off the card nicely & there will be no additional bouts. I just hope that my expectations for an above-average show here don’t result in disappointment. On paper the card looks relatively strong to me, but as we all know, if it doesn't all come together on the night, then a piece of paper means nothing when it comes to professional wrestling. Fingers crossed for a good one & go Jeff!!!


Ok, that's #254 done & dusted. Despite its length, this column was a relative breeze to write, so I hope that came out in terms of quality & held your attention throughout. Either way, don't hesitate in letting me know anything relevant to it whatsoever by emailing me feedback. As I have always stated, I will reply to all thoughts, opinions & ideas. My e-mail address is DaveyBoy123@bigpond.com, but if you are an LOP Forums member, it would be much appreciated if you could leave feedback on my thread at http://www.lopforums.com/showthread.php?t=217&page=9.

I will indeed be here come next Wednesday with my review of the Armageddon pay-per-view. Apart from that though, I have yet to plan out any topics, so let's hope that some ideas crawl their way into my brain over the next week. As always, my column will be posted at the same Wednesday time on the same LOP channel. Until then, this is DaveyBoy signing off & asking you to remember that dinner is best served in 3 courses.


DaveyBoy’s Wrestling Menu. 2002-2007

Exclusive To LordsOfPain.net / WrestlingHeadlines.com












• Jeff Hardy Skips Court Appearance & WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2010 Rumored Names (think FACEPAINT)
  

• Quick Links -
  [Back to LOP] [News Archives] [Results] [Columns] [Forums]