WrestleMania 27 Preview: My Rock-Bottom Questions Heading into Wrestlemania 27

It’s the biggest pay-per-view event of the year for the WWE.

But, with all the drama going into Wrestlemania 27, there are many questions that need to be answered.

In this piece, I have arranged a top ten list of questions, along with my own commentary and predictions on each of the matches.

As always, let me know what you think!

Starting with No. 1…

1. What Is the Rock’s Role in the Miz Vs. Cena Match?

Raw this past Monday did not give us the answer we wanted.

For weeks, we’ve heard all about the Rock hosting Wrestlemania XXVII. We all know he is one of the greatest and most popular professional wrestlers of all time. We all know there has been a feud brewing between him and Cena. 

The John Cena vs. Miz match is huge. It will show fans which direction the WWE plans to go. Will they go for the Miz, a man known for generating a lot of heat and still putting on some solid matches? Will it be John Cena winning the title again, and potentially upsetting the older demographic of fans and making the younger fans ecstatic?

And how will the Rock play within the match? Will he stay out of the match, especially after the Attitude Adjustment that John Cena gave him? Will the Rock lay the smackdown on Miz and Cena?

The biggest question of all though: Is this match a build up to something bigger? Is the Rock still in it for the future, or is this a one and done thing?

Hopefully Wrestlemania will deliver on answering all of these questions about one of the biggest feuds in all of WWE history.

2. Is Alberto Del Rio Ready for the Big Time?

Yes, he won the Royal Rumble. Yes, he can put on some entertaining matches.

But, is Alberto Del Rio really ready for a title shot at Wrestlemania?

Much like Ted DiBiase, Sr. or JBL, we have a heel in Del Rio who is rich and doesn’t mind flaunting it with his “personal announcer” and his big entrances in his expensive cars.

Which means we’ll have a great match up with the Rated-R Superstar, Edge, who has payed his dues and, slowly but surely, has made it to the top of the WWE as the World Heavyweight Champion.

On paper, this looks to be an enticing match. But, with millions watching around the world, can Del Rio deliver in a big match? Has he generated enough heat to be a good heel worthy of a title? Does Edge deserve to even lose the title?

I believe the Smackdown brand needs a big match from these two. If they can deliver a good match from two of their top stars, this may generate more people to watch Smackdown, which will entail a bigger payoff for the WWE’s front office.

3. Could This Be the End of Taker’s Streak?

I dare say that this could be the end of the New Generation/Attitude Era stars from the old WWF.

Triple H and the Undertaker are both stars who have garnered plenty of gold and plenty of fame. They have had battles with one another and with other famous stars like Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, Kane, the Rock, Kurt Angle, and plenty of other stars from the past.

But, with all of that wear and tear, could this be the last match for both stars? Could they be able to put on a great match? Will it match up to the classic Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels matches from the past two years?

And, obviously, the most important question: Will the Undertaker’s streak be broken by “the Game?”

In professional wrestling, the Undertaker’s streak is much like pitchers winning 300 games in their careers, or holding the record for most consecutive starts in the NFL. It is something unheard of, and it is also a record that showcases strength, dedication, and loyalty – all traits known for the Phenom of Professional Wrestling.

But, with all good things, streaks must come to an end. Unless you're Rocky Marciano, winning streaks never seem to last forever.

And we all know that a passing of the guard is usually a major factor in one generation passing on the WWE to another. For example: Consider what Hogan did for the Rock at Wrestlemania XVIII. (Whether you like Hogan or not is irrelevant, as it was a clean win for the Rock, and it showcased the era of wrestling was given to its biggest, current star, not its aging star.)

Still, is Triple H truly worthy of ending this streak? Just because he is the husband to Vince McMahon’s daughter, Stephanie, does this really justify him ending the streak, when not even Shawn Michaels was able to? We all know “The Game” is one of the greatest WWE superstars who had to fight his way back from the MSG incident, only to have garnered a career which has showcased why he is “the King of Kings.”

But, good enough to break the Undertaker’s streak?

I personally hope not. I won’t lie, and I have to let my lifelong-fan opinion come in here: the Undertaker DOES NOT deserve to have his streak broken—EVER. What he has done for this company is truly one of a kind. And, even if he were to lose, why should it be to Triple H? It just gives Triple H one extra highlight for his career in an already impressive repertoire of highlights. 

If anyone should beat the Undertaker, it should be someone he can pass the guard off to. A young, talented, and ready superstar willing to take the WWE into a new generation, where younger fans can see the career of a great man come to an end at the hands of a new superstar, who respects the business enough to do it with class, dignity, and the perseverance.

Could Triple H be the man who beats the Undertaker with the dignity that his opponent deserves? I’m sure. But should he break the streak anyway? That’s your opinion, but again, I’m negatively biased towards this.

4. Can Cole Have a Good Match with the King?

I’ve written two prior articles about this match, and I’ll reiterate everything I’ve said in the prior articles in one sentence….

This is a match hyped and developed with a great feud, but I feel this will be a horrible match.

Michael Cole has showcased that he can be just as annoying and disgustingly evil as any heel has been in the WWE. Lawler has still showcased he can have good feuds and put on good matches. Obviously, we have a great build up.

And isn't it just sickening the hype this has been getting? The development for this match is ridiculous. Its like the creative writing staff at the WWE wanted to show it could still develop a storyline over the course of six months (this feud started in November of 2010), and still make it somewhat watchable.

I highly doubt this will be a good match. Yes, Stone Cold is in the match. Yes, Jack Swagger has been “training” Michael Cole. Yes, Lawler and Cole’s feud is awesome.

Still, I highly doubt this could possibly be a good match. It’s a shame too; I really would’ve preferred a Cole/Swagger handicap match against Lawler. Then, most of the match could be good wrestling, with Swagger turning on Cole after Cole loses the match by getting his butt whipped by the King. 

Regardless, I would use a bathroom break for this match. A very long one. Just saying.

5. Can CM Punk Win Without the Nexus?

No Nexus for CM Punk? No problem!

I really have enjoyed this feud with Randy Orton and CM Punk. The Viper and The Straight Edge Superstar have really put on a good rivalry, one where we have seen CM Punk’s New Nexus take out Orton on some occasions.

And, while Orton has beaten every member of the New Nexus, he has also secured through a GM sanction that if he did beat the New Nexus members in various one-on-one matches, that that member would not be at ringside.

Just like that, we have a mano y mano match.

I love the various styles here. You have the great mic skills of Punk, along with the Nexus, against the intense, cunning psyche of Orton, who stands alone.

It’s really a brilliant build up, and I believe CM Punk will win this match. Randy Orton may be a crowd favorite, and Punk is clearly the heel here, but this is almost worthy to be a WWE or World Heavyweight Championship match. CM Punk has been doing great since his return from his injury, and while Orton has lost the WWE Championship, he has stayed relevant and, slowly but surely, is keeping himself in contention for the title.

I say bravo to the WWE for this match and storyline. I feel this is a heck of a match up with loads of potential and some excellent storytelling.

6. Mysterio Vs. Rhodes: Is This Just What the Doctor Ordered for Cody Rhodes?

I think we can safely say that a lot of the members of Legacy haven’t had the same career as their counterpart, Randy Orton. Ted DiBiase has been stuck in the hunt for a U.S. Championship (and stuck dealing with Maryse over petty stuff). Obviously, Orton has been doing pretty well for himself, winning the WWE title and having a great feud with CM Punk.

But what about “Dashing” Cody Rhodes?

We all know he’s talented. We all know he has some pretty solid microphone skills. And we all know he’s been subjected to some pretty boring storylines in the past.

That has changed until his epic and downright hilarious “broken face” angle with Rey Mysterio.

Call it what you will, but I find this to be the perfect match and way to bring Rhodes to championship readiness.

Mysterio is no stranger to gold. He did hold the World Heavyweight Championship last year, along with having a pretty great storyline with Alberto Del Rio (who worked off of their feud to get to the title shot he has with Edge).

And, while the “I’m good looking and proud of it” gimmick has been done plenty of times, I still feel like Rhodes brings something fresh to it. And even though we all know Mysterio really didn’t “break” his face or that Rhodes had constructive surgery on it to repair it, we still seem drawn to it because they are opposite styles of characters and gimmicks.

One is a high-flying Hispanic wrestler known for his fun and fast-paced style. He’s a working man. He dealt with the WCW for years before coming to the WWE and is really making a name for himself.

One is a member of a prominent wrestling family. He’s got loads of talent. He’s finally got an angle which can get him to a championship status. 

Honestly, this is just what the doctor ordered for Cody Rhodes: a match with a guy like Mysterio can do wonders for his career. And on the biggest stage of them all, that’s perfect for his career.

7. Snooki's Match: A Step Down for Both Ziggler and Morrison?

Don’t get me wrong, I understand the whole “Jersey Shore” show is a big hit with many teenagers and college kids around the globe.

But, come on, really, WWE? Did we really need to see a match with Snooki in it?

And why are some of the most talented stars in the WWE stuck in this match? Trish Stratus is a Diva legend. LayCool has some solid matches. Dolph Ziggler was just in a feud with Edge for the title. And John Morrison is a fan favorite who was a big pick to possibly be in a match against the Miz for the title by the time this rolled around.

Sadly, Ziggler and Morrison are stuck in this filler of a match. 

Trish and LayCool can hold their own. We know that these WWE Divas can be entertaining. We know Morrison and Ziggler are definitely deserving of continuous main event light come next year.

But, why Snooki? Whats the appeal to it? What does this do for the careers of Dolph Ziggler and John Morrison?

Nothing. This is downright disgusting that the WWE has decided to relegate two of their young superstars to a filler match of this sort. It’s a marketing ploy. It gets Entertainment Tonight and Late Night shows asking questions. It gives the event more hype.

For Ziggler and Morrison (especially Morrison), all it does is give them the extra “atta’ boy!” moment that we’ve been hearing from WWE officials for a while now.

This match just felt thrown together. Snooki came in really late in the matchmaking period. Her two appearances have done little to keep me interested in even watching this match. 

All I know is that the WWE better have a good feud planned for Ziggler and Morrison, or at least good separate feuds with each superstar in this match (besides Snooki obviously), because I don’t care to watch Snooki at all on any WWE programming whatsoever. I really don’t care about “Jersey Shore” and Ed Hardy wearing dudes drinking themselves to a stupor. I also don’t care for MTV either.

To end my rant (which I apologize for), I just hope this doesn’t set Morrison and Ziggler back too far. Trish and LayCool have and are having good careers in the WWE. Vicki is still as annoying of a heel as ever, and as fans, we love it.

I just certainly hope that the WWE knows what their doing by putting Snooki in this match. I just don’t think it’ll help them get more Pay-Per-View buys.

Or fans of Morrison and Ziggler for that matter.

8. Sheamus’s US Title Reign: Does It Really Matter?

I had a recent debate on an article with a person I consider to be a pretty prestigious wrestling journalist on Bleacher Report, talking about the Intercontinental and United States Championship belts being on big superstars like Wade Barrett and Sheamus. I believed this was a good step towards somehow legitimizing the belts as a way of showcasing that these guys are being prepped up as future or soon-to-be World Champions (as it should be). 

Clearly, he disagreed, as many fans do. Too often we have been relying on Money in the Bank, Elimination Chamber matches, or Battle Royals to figure out who’s next in line for the title. To this fan (and to others), the secondary belts are worthless, and just added to throw on whoever they see fit. 

Which begs the question: Does Sheamus’ reign as United States Champion really matter?

He was King of the Ring after having two reigns as WWE Champion. Then, he went on a losing streak, only to win the belt against a floundering Daniel Bryan, who can still put on some excellent matches but seems to be going nowhere with his “Accidental Ladies’ Man” gimmick.

So, this also adds another question: With all that he has accomplished, why did he need a belt to showcase that he’s a top contender?

This brings me down to two areas of thought: One, the WWE is going to have Bryan win and then push him, or two, they want Sheamus to be in the spotlight but have no idea how to keep him there, so they give him a belt.

If Bryan wins (without any problems, fair and square), then I believe the WWE will push him to main event status in about six months, which will give the belt more credibility, and then he can work with more people and have better situations to build off of.

Obviously, he has a lot of work to do to get to main event status, but he’s been there before (Summerslam last year) and can certainly put on a good match.

But, what if its number two, and Sheamus retains the belt?

Does he go on a terror reign where he beats everyone like Goldberg did circa 1998? And why, because what does it really prove? We know he was a champion. It doesn’t add anything for him!

Maybe he can be a number one contender while holding the belt, but the WWE is not unifying its secondary titles again to its World Championship titles. They need belts to show who might be the next guy. 

Obviously, that is never usually the case.

Wrestlemania will definitely showcase whether or not the WWE is intending to really do anything with Sheamus, or whether he’ll fade in and out of the championship spotlight like Kane did throughout most of his career.

9. Can Wade Barret Shine Under the Lights at Mania?

I don’t care about the other seven men in the match. The rest of the CORRE, Kane, Big Show, Santino, and Kozlov are not who I am watching.

It’s Wade Barrett. We all heard the rumors of a potential Barrett vs. Undertaker match. Maybe it was a bit too soon, but Barrett is definitely a solid wrestler who can only get better and better as time goes along.

But, this is his first big dance at the big show. He is the reigning Intercontinental Champion (a title that fits him perfectly in my opinion, much better than Sheamus). He has been the leader of two factions which were pushed strongly against main eventers. And, he can play one heck of a heel.

Barrett needs to have a good match. I feel like the rest of this year could be a huge year for him, and I definitely see a title shot looming in his picture. He may not have the charisma of a future champion, but he can put on good matches and still intimidate fans with his powerful demeanor.

Watch this match for Wade. He’ll shine and we’ll be seeing him win a World Title very soon once his Intercontinental reign is done.

10. Will This Wrestlemania Match Up to Some of the Best?

This is the grandest stage in all of professional wrestling. It has defined sports entertainment, made superstars, and created legendary confrontations that have become recognized throughout the world.

Wrestlemania XXVII is no different—we all know it is meant to be the biggest event in 2011 for the WWE, and it is important that it meets the hype.

That being said, can the WWE deliver?

Ratings have been down. Some superstars are being phased out, while others are coming in. Fans are picking sides with certain wrestlers and going against some status-quo wrestlers that have been staples for the WWE for a while now.

It’s up to the front office of the WWE to make this event the best it could possibly be.

I’d say that out of the total amount of matches on the card, five of them have great potential. The Miz vs. Cena match could be a fun encounter, especially if the Rock is involved, but it also depends on if Cena wins the title (which I’m worried he will). The Edge vs. Del Rio match should be pretty exciting. Undertaker vs. Triple H should be a good encounter. Orton vs. CM Punk should be terrific, along with my Rhodes vs. Mysterio.

The others are a mixed bag or just plain questionable. I really want Sheamus and Bryan to have a good match, but I’m just worried its been thrown together way too quickly.

Obviously, I hold no hope for the Cole and Lawler match. The eight-man tag team match could be a snoozer, and the mixed tag team match can be a placeholder for Snooki disgracing us with her presence.

I really wanted to see the rumored Kingston vs. Christian match, but it seems like Mr. Kingston may not be in the WWE’s future plans.

Honestly, there is so much potential for these matches, but I think the fans may get a mixed bag of quality. That is a shame, considering it is the WWE’s premiere event. 

All that being said, I will be watching with the rest of the wrestling community.