Drive/Off: The Streak, Rock/Cena Match?, Christian, MITB PPV, Predictions

Hello Bleacher Creatures, Rize is back and so is the Drive/Off.

Are you ready? We’re officially one day away from the Granddaddy of Sports Entertainment, WrestleMania 27. Ever since the Elimination Chamber, WWE has poured gasoline on scorching feuds while resurrecting a host of others from the grave. But with every event in WWE, there comes a debate.

Unlike the 'Manias before it, WrestleMania 27 has received generally mixed reviews from a series of fans. Despite the return of The Rock, Undertaker, Triple H, Trish Stratus, and Stone Cold Steve Austin, some fans feel the event was poorly booked.

The exile of the Money in the Bank Ladder match and the overall Superstar placement has raised many questions.

Probably the most controversial is the inclusion of reality star Snooki in a tag team match.

But with the detractors comes the numerous fans who’re excited about the event. Will Michael Cole finally get what’s coming to him? Will John Cena finally shut the Miz up? Will The Rock lay the Smackdown tomorrow night? Will the Game be the one?

All those questions will be answered tomorrow night but for now, it’s time to debate.

If you’ve missed the past two editions, the Drive/Off is a slideshow featuring a number of B/R Writers. The writers discuss topics relating to WWE or professional wrestling in general. Debates are healthy, and my goal is to embrace them whenever I can.

The floor is open

Has the Undertaker's Streak Lost Prestige?

Rize: I wouldn’t exactly say the Streak has lost its prestige but there’s one thing that kills Undertaker's matches at 'Mania, the fact that he’ll never lose a match. As much as I admire Shawn Michaels, I knew from the start that the Streak would continue on.

Only once have I believed the Streak would end and that’s the WrestleMania 23 match with Batista. Dave was the second biggest star in the WWE at the time and the idea of Undertaker losing to him wasn’t as far-fetched.

If anything, history has taught us that Undertaker will never lose at 'Mania, so it kills the excitement.

The Cerebral Assassin has the tools and credentials to defeat the Deadman tomorrow night. Will he? Not at chance. WWE is trying to make us forget that Triple H has already fallen to 'Taker.

I do believe the Streak will end once Undertaker decides to retire, but I believe it will be at the hands of a younger Superstar. In recent years, the WWE discussed having the Streak end at the hands of a up and comer. It would give the guy that extra rub needed to succeed in the main event.

If not, I believe John Cena would be the only logical choice to defeat the Deadman.  Before I get ahead of myself, the RAW promo was somewhat unordinary.

Michaels telling Hunter that he can’t win? That’s a very interesting trait of this ongoing feud.

Charlie Groenewegen: I wouldn’t say The Deadman’s Streak lost prestige. It’s the biggest thing in WrestleMania. Everyone always wants to know who will challenge him next. Shawn Michaels and Undertaker proved that the streak is still alive and strong two years in a row.

It hasn’t lost prestige; it’s just that Undertaker is slowing down. He’s injured and won’t be able to put on as good of a show as previous ’Mania moments.

Can Triple H beat the odds this Sunday? No. He had his chance a couple years ago and is having a rematch. Back then he tried to use a sledgehammer to end the streak, it failed. This year it’s a No Holds Barred Match.

The odds are in HHH’s favor with the stipulation but I have doubts about “The Game.” What has he got to win from defeating Undertaker and ending the Streak? Nothing. He already established himself as a top dog in WWE and his career is slowly, but surely, coming to a close.

John Cavanagh: It has gotten to the point where we know the outcome. It is still a monumental streak that is the best thing going in the WWE. But to hear that the WWE didn’t even know who should face him means it’s gone too far.

Last year, we had HBK put his career on the line. We all had to wonder, was Undertaker actually going to lose? It was great. Triple H is a great superstar but no way is he winning on Sunday. Not a chance. Should the streak end one day? Yes, if done correctly.

Undertaker is great for his streak but imagine what it would do for someone like John Cena or Randy Orton to end it. But Triple H will not end it. Next year he’ll be going for 20 and he won’t get it.

Henry Adams:  The Undertaker’s streak I think means more than any title the WWE currently has. Everyone wants to be the guy who breaks the streak. He’s won 18 times at Wrestlemania in a row! No one else is ever going to do that, ever.

Do You See the Rock Taking on John Cena Soon?

Rize: After Monday Night RAW, yes I do see The Rock taking on John Cena sooner than later. The Rock proved he was going to be somewhat physical when he destroyed Alex Riley and The Miz on Monday.

Aside from the failed kip up, Rock barely showed any ring rust. The Attitude Adjustment was just the icing on the cake. It’s very possible that the Rock costs Cena the WWE title on Sunday and that will be the proverbial gas on the fire.

Some believe Rock and Cena will hug it out or shake hands but that would kill the weeks of build-up. Others believe Rock won’t be with the WWE after the event. I disagree. How many movies has Rock promoted since returning? He even decided to participate in physical activities to sell the event.

If everything plays out and Rock is open to the match like he says, I believe Rock vs. Cena will happen.

Charlie Groenewegen: Will Rock vs. Cena ever happen? Well, it all depends on the outcome of Miz vs. Cena at WrestleMania. If Rock costs Cena the WWE title match, then definitely. If Rock makes Cena loss you could bet your ass those two will collide in the ring.

If Rock helps Cena win, then there’s no chance those two will square off. But, by the way things are going right now (Miz, Cena and Rock all fighting) there seems to be a good chance of this match happening.

Cena and Rock have been in a war of words. It’s about time to take this war to the ring. I say, let it happen.

John Cavanagh: Absolutely. I know Summerslam was a possibility, but can they really drag it out that long? I would still be interested but they should do it while it’s hot. The question is, will it be for the WWE Title? That will be decided this Sunday.

Will the Miz keep it a three-way feud? Rock could feud with Miz until Summerslam when Rock goes back to Cena, but I highly doubt it. I believe Rock will face Cena sooner than we think.

Henry Adams:  I think we are going to see some major fireworks between these two this Sunday in Atlanta. I could see The Rock costing John Cena the championship or placing himself in the match at the last second which would set up a feud perfectly.

The Rock is advertised for after WrestleMania, so at Summerslam, don’t be surprised if we see the dream match-up between the two.

Thoughts on a Christian Heel Turn?

Rize: There’s been a lot of buzz and rumors lately pertaining to this and I hope it’s just that, a rumor. The corner man costing the Champion his title is the proverbial scapegoat for WWE management.

We’ve seen it happen with Chavo/Rey, Jeff/Matt, and Christian has done it to Sting in TNA. The corner man ultimately has a hot streak for a short time only to return to obscurity later.

Disagree? Look at the positions Matt Hardy and Chavo Guerrero are in today.

One benefit from the turn would simply be the Edge vs. Christian feud we’ve all been waiting for. The problem with that is Alberto Del Rio winning the World title. Who does the Mexican Aristocrat have to feud with? The WWE Draft is coming up but it’s not like the WWE would move Randy Orton or John Cena to Smackdown.

Thing is, I can’t see Edge and Christian celebrating after a win over Del Rio. They’re just going to embrace each other as Edge holds up something that has eluded Christian his whole career? I don’t think so.

Charlie Groenewegen: If Christian were to turn heel at WrestleMania, It’d be both foolish and smart at the same time. If Christian turns heel and costs Edge the title, those two will be going at it, which will take both guys (Edge and Christian) out of the title hunt for a while. They’ll be too tied up with each other to care about World Championships.

On the other hand, if Christian attacks Edge after an in-ring celebration (If Edge wins) it’ll be perfect. He would directly insert himself into the title picture. He’d send a huge message to the champion. This would trigger the Edge vs. Christian World title feud that the whole IWC wants to see.

Keeping Christian face would be like a fairytale ending. Edge wins and his best friend celebrates his victory with him and they live happily ever after. I’m sorry, but that’s a load of crap!

Everyone likes a little chaos or controversy at times. If Christian remains face he’ll be Edge’s back boy, no doubt about it. So, WWE turn him heel!

John Cavanagh:  A Christian heel turn seems very possible right now. Yet, Christian won’t be the one turning heel. Edge will. Christian seems to play a great face and Edge has been known to play a great heel. Christian will somehow cost Edge the title and Edge will attack Christian.

A Christian heel turn seems more likely but Edge would be the better choice and make the feud and their promos better. I would prefer to keep Christian face because Edge needs to go back to being one of the best heels in the company.

Henry Adams: I personally haven’t seen much from Christian as a heel but with the charisma and skills he has on the mic I think he could pull it off very well. I would love for the match to become a triple threat and have Christian pull a Shawn Michaels move (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq8eMYFp20w).

Although him just costing Edge the World title would be a smart move. It gives Edge and Christian the feud we’ve all been waiting for and gives Alberto Del Rio the title. It’s a win-win situation.

The MITB PPV Is Coming Up Soon, Who Will Win the RAW and Smackdown Matches?

Rize: The Money in the Bank briefcase is for WWE mid carders who’ve been knocking at the main event’s door. It’s for that certain Superstar who needs that extra rub to reach the main event.

That would automatically rule out guys like Wade Barrett, Alberto Del Rio, CM Punk, John Cena, or Randy Orton. Each of those men has already become main eventers to some extent. There’s only one guy who deserves to win the RAW MITB, and that’s John Morrison.

He won a ladder match against Sheamus, got a title match on RAW, and put on the best match of 2011 (so far). But now he’s back in the mid card, on a losing streak, stuck in a tag team match with the main star from the world’s worst TV show. WWE is pushing young stars to the main event, but they’re all heels.

Things happen and one major star could go down with an injury causing a chemical imbalance in the main event.

Simply put, he’s World Championship material and that case is like a rocket to the moon.

The Smackdown winner should be Kofi Kingston. Kingston is near perfect in the ring and barely has any flaws in his game. He’s got the popularity, mic skills, and overall wrestling ability but the WWE won’t capitalize on it.

Instead of winning the World title like he’s supposed to, he’s stuck losing numerous matches and losing to guys who need the help of a manager to get over.

Charlie Groenewegen: Interesting question. I like it. So many possibilities…

The winner of the Raw Money in the Bank should be John Morrison. I’m sure I’m not the only to pick him. WWE has been trying to push Morrison, with his matches with Miz and Spiderman style spots at Elimination Chamber and Royal Rumble.

His former tag team partner, Miz, did it last year. Why not Morrison this year? He proved he can be championship material. Correction: World championship material.

Now on to Smackdown. Who should it be…

Kofi Kingston? No. Drew McIntyre? No. Cody Rhodes? Nah. My pick is for Wade Barrett. He is the total package. He is good on the mic as well as in the ring. I’ve been a fan of his since NXT Season 1.

He deserves this briefcase more than anybody on the Smackdown roster. Yes, anybody. It’s about time to send Barrett into the World title hunt.

John Cavanagh:  The MITB PPV will be great because there’s no MITB at WrestleMania this year which will create more hype for the event. RAW has many guys that deserve it. Evan Bourne, Dolph Ziggler, John Morrison.

The draft is coming up but I believe the MITB winner will be either John Morrison or Sin Cara. My choice would be John Morrison but with the debut of Sin Cara, I can’t help but think he can win. John Morrison is one step away from the main event scene.

He tasted it but can’t get there. What a match he had for the WWE Championship with the Miz but they never followed up with a feud after the match.

Morrison fell back to mid-card status yet again and has a pretty embarrassing match at WrestleMania this year. It’s been long enough for JoMo and he’s the most deserving for a World Championship.

Sin Cara is debuting very soon. He is scheduled to face CM Punk on tour in Mexico on May 14. This makes me think Punk will win the WWE Title at Capital Punishment and Sin Cara wins MITB. Morrison is more likely and is my choice. Honorable mention goes to Daniel Bryan.

On Smackdown, I think Drew McIntyre is going to win. He has been having matches with Edge and has been doing a little better, but McIntyre is really slipping fast. He needs this to become the top heel on Smackdown and save his career for 2011. Honorable mention goes to Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett.

Henry Adams:  Money in the Bank is one of my favorite matches and I cannot wait for the PPV. I think that Ted Dibiase needs to be repackaged between now and then and built up to win the match and give him a shot at the title.

He’s got all it takes to be a main-eventer; he just needs a new look and the MITB briefcase. For the Smackdown side of things, I think that Drew McIntyre should win.

He should hold onto the case as long as he can, and I could see a face turn, or if he stays heel, a feud with Edge or one of the other top faces on Smackdown.

What Are You Looking Forward to This Sunday?

Rize: Like anyone else, I want to see how the WWE Championship match plays out. SnookiMania is going to be atrocious but I’ll watch out of respect for what Morrison and Ziggler bring to the table. I’m anxious to see how the CM Punk/Randy Orton match turns out.

The Undertaker and Triple H match hasn’t grasped the buildup I expected but I want to see exactly how Undertaker ends this match. I’m not looking forward to the World title match, because it’s way too predictable. I'm also ready to watch Jerry Lawler pummel Michael Cole to a pulp.

Charlie Groenewegen: Well, to be honest I’m more excited for TNA Lockdown than WrestleMania, but I am looking forward to some things come WrestleMania.

I want to see Cody Rhodes win over Mysterio, The Corre beat Big Show and friends and the outcome of Miz vs. Cena and The Rock’s involvement in the match.

I mostly want to see how The Rock will effect the WWE Championship match.

John Cavanagh: The Rock and Stone Cold are appearing, the streak is on the line. That’s all great but CM Punk vs. Randy Orton is the match I am most looking forward to. This match isn’t that predictable and it has BIG potential to steal the show.

It will also decide if CM Punk can cement himself into the main event scene if he wins. Or will the Viper pull off another “super” victory, battling his injury? CM Punk needs this win but if he loses, it’s not the end of the world.

I am excited for this match as a huge CM Punk fan to see what direction he is headed for the remainder of the year. Will another member of the Nexus (Skip Sheffield maybe) interfere? A lot of possibilities with this one.

Henry Adams: I am super hyped to see the rivalry match between Randy Orton and CM Punk live this Sunday. The main eventers may be HHH, Undertaker, Cena, Miz, and The Rock but be ready to see this match possibly steal the show.

Quick Pay Per View Predictions

Rize:  CM Punk vs. Randy Orton: Punk is the best Superstar in WWE today, but he’ll fall to the Viper this Sunday. I expect Punk to receive a punt before or after a match.

Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio: Mysterio wins after a 619, simple as that.

Corre vs. Big Show/Kane/Santino and mystery man: I expect the faces to dominate to the Corre and win after Justin Gabriel or Heath Slater is pinned.

Mixed tag match: Celebrities never lose at Mania, and it will continue this Sunday.

Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole: Cole falls to the King and receives the beating of his life in the process.

Del Rio vs. Edge: Alberto Del Rio wins the World title, though it pains me to see Edge continue his WM losing streak.

Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan: The Celtic Warrior continues his reign as U.S. Champion

Cena vs. Miz: The Champ is back, John Cena defeats Miz with the STF.

Undertaker vs. Triple H: The Streak continues

Charlie Groenewegen:  Rhodes vs. Mysterio: Mysterio will win. As much as I want Rhodes to win, I just don’t see it happening.

Eight Man Tag Team Match: Big Show and crew will beat The Corre. Again, I want the heels to win, but I don’t see it happening. This will be just like the Nexus at SummerSlam. The big bad scary group turned on its head and beaten senseless, losing all credibility.

Sheamus vs. Bryan: Everybody seems to have Bryan in this match. I’m not everybody. Sheamus will win. His reign is far too short (at least compared to Bryan’s reign) and is riding a wave of momentum into Atlanta. I see this match going either way, I’m choosing who I like better: Sheamus.

Mixed Tag Match: Morrison, Stratus and Snooki will win. Easy. Celebrity advantage. WWE doesn’t make celebrities lose. Simple.

Lawler vs. Cole: Lawler. Another easy pick. Cole has zero experience and has been a pain in the IWC’s ass for too long! Lawler will end that….followed up by a post-match Stunner to Cole.

Orton vs. Punk: Orton has been booked like SuperMan. He murdered all of Nexus. Punk, sadly, you’re next. Orton wins.

Del Rio vs. Edge: No explanation here. Del Rio.

Cena vs. Miz: I want Miz to win. Cena has been hogging the ’Mania spotlight for too long.

Undertaker vs. HHH: Streak continues.

John Cavanagh:  Alberto Del Rio vs. Edge (W-Alberto Del Rio)
CM Punk vs. Randy Orton (W-CM Punk)
Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus (W-Sheamus)
Corre vs. Big Show, Kane, Santi-Koz (W-Corre)
Morrison, Snooki, Stratus vs. Ziggler, Laycool (W-Morrison’s team)
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole (W-Jerry Lawler)
Rey Mysterio vs. Cody Rhodes (W-Cody Rhodes)
Undertaker vs. Triple H (W-Undertaker)
John Cena vs. the Miz (W-Miz)

Henry Adams: US Title Match: Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus: I think Daniel Bryan and Sheamus will have a 10-minute match with some back and forth action with Sheamus looking strong and retaining his championship

John Morrison, Snooki, and Trish Stratus vs. Dolph Ziggler and Laycool: Celebrities never lose at WrestleMania this is just to get MTV fans to buy the PPV expect Snooki to end up humiliating Laycool and Vickie and winning.

Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio: My second choice for possible showstopping match. Expect some quality technical wrestling and a really good match with Rey winning by ripping off Cody’s protective mask and doing the 619.

Michael Cole vs. Jerry Lawler: After five minutes of cheating, Stone Cold will stunner Swagger and King will beat on Cole until using the diving fist drop to win.

The Corre vs. Big Show, Kane, Santino, and Koslov: Expect this to be a warming up the show match. I think this will be an enjoyable match but in the end seeing The Corre lose and having the face team have a Santino celebration in the ring.

WWE Title Match John Cena vs. The Miz: I think these guys are going to have a great match honestly. Expect a great back and forth match with The Rock possibly interfering but I believe that The Miz will win in the end.

WHC Match: Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio: Christian comes in to cost Edge the championship with Alberto walking out of Atlanta the champion leaving E&C to feud.

The Undertaker vs. Triple H: This has potential to be a great match. I would love to see The Rock make a last-minute change and make Shawn the guest referee for the match.

Shawn adds suspense to the match, but I see him possibly super-kicking either contestant or giving the three count after Taker tombstones HHH. No matter how it goes down, Taker’s leaving Atlanta 19-0.

Closing

Sorry folks, no LMAO moment of the week or quotes. I hope you all enjoy the WrestleMania weekend and I hope you look out for the future articles of all writers.

Because of my absence last week, I skipped the Drive/Off and I plan an early debacle after WrestleMania! Look out for the Aftermath to WrestleMania.