WWE Wrestlemania XXV: My Predictions

On April 5, 2009, 25 years of Sports Entertainment culminates in what should be the biggest and the best show of all time in wrestling history.

However, from a 24-year fan and spectator of WrestleMania—though, regrettably, never from a ringside seat—I am very doubtful that this year's event will be a mind-blowing show that will keep me glued to my seat for four hours.

Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Edge vs. the Big Show vs. John Cena

The basis of the card looks like it will be all right.  The two title matches have good storylines, though I think the love triangle between Edge, Vickie, and the Big Show is becoming a bit far-fetched.

They're both in the main event of the biggest show and are fighting over the love of a woman who'd probably sell them both out if she thought it would make her General Manager of Raw as well as SmackDown!

Also, I'm still waiting to hear one of them say they're going to leave Texas as the champion!

I think Edge will walk out of the match with the title around his waist.  The Big Show is the only one in the match in which we've seen Edge and Cena too many times, and Vince is unsure of what to do with Cena since Batista is on the shelf.

WWE Championship: Triple H vs. Randy Orton

With both superstars always one upping the other, from show to show, the Triple H and Randy Orton match could go either way.

Although, in my opinion, this is the most personal feud I've ever seen in the history of the business.  Could Hunter's emotions get the better of him and cause a DQ in favor of Orton?

I think that the Money in the Bank Ladder winner could cash in their shot straight after Triple H is disqualified.  In defending his title he was screwed over by Orton with a similar sledgehammer shot.

It would be an unexpected swerve and would definitely provide an original ending to the PPV. I believe Triple H and Orton will be the final match.

Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Finley vs. Mark Henry vs. Kane vs. CM Punk vs. Christian vs. MVP vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Kofi Kingston

Speaking of Money in the Bank Ladder match, this should be the best match on the card and any of eight wrestlers could win this match.

MVP seemed to be getting a hell of a push in the last couple of months and is definitely my pick as the one who will climb the ladder and grab the briefcase.

I would like to see Christian win the match; however, since Vince doesn't rate him as a Main Event Superstar—which is probably why he's on ECW—I think he's destined for mid card status.

The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels

Regarding a match between Mr. WrestleMania and the Streak, I predicted, with no hesitation, that Taker would win, but now I'm not so sure.

HBK seems to be getting under his skin, and this could be the year when Taker's streak ends.  I do think there will be a lot of nervous moments for the Undertaker's fans, but I still think he'll come out on top—but just.

Extreme Rules Match: Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy

The Brother vs. Brother match means that there's two ladder matches on the card.  I think Matt will win this one to prolong the feud, but expect a lot of carnage in the ring.

25-Diva Battle Royal

This is the match during which I'll make some food and get some fresh air.

If Trish is in the match, Trish wins. If not, Beth Phoenix will win.

Chris Jericho vs. The Legends

This is just a filler match between the two title matches so the crowd can get ready for HHH and Orton.

Why Hogan isn't facing Jericho is beyond me.

Anyway, the Legends will win in as short a time as possible. 

I do expect to see Hogan on the card at some point though, as well as Stone Cold.

Intercontinental Title Match: JBL vs. Rey Mysterio

There's no history and no real buildup.

The purpose of the match is to announce JBL's imminent retirement.  A JBL victory, in his home state, against an underused Rey Rey will be the perfect way to send him off.

Why didn't they put Rey in the Money in the Bank and put Kozlov in the match against JBL?  It would have been an old-style, cold-war match and would have created much more interest.  This is a lack of creative thinking.

On the whole, it's not a bad card.  With the Tag Title match thrown in, I'm not expecting a lot from the IC Title match, Legends match, and the Battle Royal. It has the potential to be a decent Wrestlemania, and I hope it is.

However, I still think the lack of under-card quality will be the undoing for the PPV.  As long as HBK, the Taker, and the Money in the Bank get an hour between them and the filler matches are kept short, the Title matches should live up to their potential.

I'm already feeling more optimistic.

Until next time, take care, have fun, and keep reading!