WWE Over the Limit: GSM's Picks, Preview and Potential for Each Match
Tomorrow night, WWE presents its second (and hopefully last) annual Over the Limit pay-per-view. For the past three weeks, attempts have been made to persuade viewers to order with the growing card, now containing eight matches.
But the real question is: can WWE deliver?
With WrestleMania 27 being decent overall and Extreme Rules being the best pay-per-view I've viewed in a good while, there is some pressure as to whether Over the Limit can provide the same.
Last year's event did even worse than expected in my opinion, being one of the worst of the year, but I have my hopes that the upcoming show can raise the bar for the annual May event.
With the card looking somewhat appealing, I will analyze each scheduled match for its potential and whether it will improve any last-minute chances of selling pay-per-view buys for those on the fence.
With the excitement for the show at its highest, which twists and turns can we expect to see come Sunday?
Visit my website at Next Era Wrestling for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps, and more. Follow me on Twitter @GSM2ndComing.
Sin Cara vs. Chavo Guerrero
1 of 9
Preview
Since his debut on the night after WrestleMania 27, Sin Cara has been on a hot streak of victories against established stars including Jack Swagger and Daniel Bryan.
Nearly a month ago, Sin Cara would move to his new home of SmackDown via the 2011 WWE Draft, and has adapted well to the environment ever since.
One of his first adversaries upon his arrival was WWE veteran, Chavo Guerrero, who has commentary during Sin Cara's matches the past few weeks.
After helping Sin Cara cheat to win in his match against Daniel Bryan, Cara was quick to notice and would shove Guerrero because of it.
Prediction
As speculated, Sin Cara has received the hot push everyone expected him to since his debut, which is a smart and logical move so he can become familiar with the audience and eventually earn enough support when he clashes with the top dogs of the company.
Chavo Guerrero has been known for aiding young talent in getting over with the crowd, even when it wasn't necessary (see Hornswoggle).
In many ways, Chavo Guerrero can be described as the definition of a jobber, seeing that I can't even remember the last time he won a match on a main show (Kaval maybe?).
Nonetheless, it is possible we could see the Mexican Warrior give Sin Cara his first loss to teach the rookie a lesson.
Potential
I believe this could be an amazing opening match, similar to the way TNA pay-per-views sometimes open their shows with the breath-taking X-Division.
Their unique mix of Lucha Libre style will certainly be a change of pace match-wise, and set the bar for the rest of the show in the process.
Brie Bella vs. Kelly Kelly (Divas Championship)
2 of 9
Preview
Since April, Brie Bella has reigned as Divas Champion following her championship victory over Eve. I am still confused as to why the championship was given to her in the first place, seeing she and her sister can barely wrestle or talk as it is.
This past Monday on RAW, newly drafted Kelly Kelly pinned Brie Bella to earn herself this title match for Over the Limit.
However, following her victory, Kelly was greeted by the monstrous Kharma, who demolished one of the twins and confronted Kelly with a symbolic flick to the head.
Prediction
This match has the possibility of going either way. First, Brie can easily retain her Divas Championship with help from her sister Nikki at ringside and result in another pointless match just to get the Divas on the card. Another scenario is Kelly getting the win with help from an appearance by Kharma.
Personally, I'm rooting for Kelly to win since she's somewhat of a better wrestler and more over with the audience. Putting the title on her would also continue her feud with Kharma nicely.
Potential
When it comes to Divas matches nowadays, there is no reason to expect nothing more than the basics, since you know you'll end up being disappointed in the end anyways. Neither woman is that great in the ring, so expect this to last no more than a few minutes.
Their match they contested in on RAW was awkward at times, but hopefully being engaged in a title match can bring out the best in them.
Hopefully, there is more emphasis on the fact Kelly Kelly has never won championship gold in WWE in order to make her win much more special than expected.
Big Show and Kane vs. New Nexus (WWE Tag Team Championship)
3 of 9
Preview
Since forming an alliance heading into WrestleMania 27, Big Show and Kane have been simply intimidating and forceful on both RAW and SmackDown.
Just ask The Corre, since they were basically destroyed by the dominant duo over the past few months, and taking their WWE Tag Team Championships from Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater in the process.
The New Nexus, led by the outspoken CM Punk, has being suffering the same fate as of late as well. Following Punk's three straight losses to Randy Orton, it has seemed as if the once-threatening group has no direction anymore, with random booking left and right.
The two factions have been feuding for the past three weeks, involving themselves in singles matches with Mason Ryan coming up short against Kane.
This past Monday saw Nexus members David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty pick up an upset win against the champs, but will we see the same outcome on Sunday?
Prediction
Given their popularity and pure dominance, I don't see the reign of Kane and Big Show coming to an end anytime soon.
Tension between CM Punk and Mason Ryan has been brewing as of late, so this could be the opportunity for Ryan to turn on his demanding leader and unfortunately become a full-fledged face.
However, I hope this won't be the case, since CM Punk and Mason Ryan could tease their dissension yet the title belts anyway. Having the Nexus members appear on both brands could bring credibility back the stable.
Potential
I, personally, do not enjoy the team of Big Show and Kane, because Show is as boring as he is alone just due to his giant nature and move set.
Kane can mesh with most Superstars he comes in contact with in the ring, but his match with Intercontinental Champion Wade Barret a few weeks ago on SmackDown was just plain bad.
Mason Ryan is even worse, seeing he is as green as grass and can't seem to get much reaction from the crowd when he's talking or wrestling.
CM Punk is obviously the best worker in this match, so I hope he can carry most of it and drag it at least over five minutes long.
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Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole (Kiss My Foot Match)
4 of 9
Preview
Michael Cole has been at the throat of Jerry Lawler for nearly five months, dating back to the night when Cole cost Lawler the WWE Championship in his TLC match against The Miz. Since then, Cole has repeatably gotten the best of King, with the help of his trainer Jack Swagger.
I enjoyed Cole's heel persona on the Road to WrestleMania, providing us with comedy including his invention of the Cole Mine at ringside.
I initially believed that the Show of Shows would be the end of it all, but following Cole's reverse decision disqualification victory, there was no stopping this never-ending rivalry.
The return of Jim Ross got me intrigued once more, but having Cole and Swagger go over in their Country Whipping Tag Team Match at Extreme Rules last month made me lose any interest in this feud I had left.
Their promos and segments thereafter would be no different than those conducted before, basically putting the entire rivalry in repeat mode.
Prediction
The logical pick here is obviously Jerry Lawler emerging victorious and earning his ultimate revenge. The stipulation states Lawler giving possession of his WWE Hall of Fame ring to Michael Cole, which is safe to say never will happen.
What really confuses and irritates me is the fact is that no stipulation was made in the case that the King won. It would have made more sense to make this a "Loser Leaves Announce Table" match or better yet ban Cole from RAW in order to generate more buzz for this match.
I'm not sure what money WWE saw in this feud to begin with, and it's disappointing to see a rivalry with two commentators last as long as this one did.
Separate the two immediately after, kick Cole off commentary, and reveal him as RAW General Manager. Simple as that.
Potential
Seeing that two commentators are involved, don't expect anything more than what we saw at the last two pay-per-views. The match will be contested under "Kiss My Foot Rules," which will allow Cole not to take any major bumps.
I'm praying that unlike WrestleMania 27 this match is over as quickly as humanly possible. Hopefully, Jack Swagger can make a brief appearance and make a face turn by costing Cole the match with the lack of top stars on RAW.
Wade Barrett vs. Ezekiel Jackson (Intercontinental Championship)
5 of 9
Preview
The history between Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett and Ezekiel Jackson dates back to early January when The Corre had been formed on SmackDown, with the inclusion of Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater.
Jackson would immediately become the muscleman of the group with his impressive body slam on a 500-pound Big Show.
Over the past two months, dissension caused turmoil within the faction following their many losses to Big Show and Kane.
The blame was taken on Ezekiel Jackson, with the breaking point coming at last month's Extreme Rules during the WWE Tag Team Championship Match,.
Two weeks ago on SmackDown, the rest of the Corre members attacked Big Zeke backstage, cementing his face status and exile from the group.
Wade Barrett agreed to put his Intercontinental Championship on the line against the Goliath to further prove he is nothing without them.
Prediction
I find this match difficult to call then most of the other matches on the card since both men contain so much potential and need wins.
Since his departure from The Nexus last year, Wade Barrett has found himself being wasted on Friday Nights, despite winning the Intercontinental Championship from Kofi Kingston two months ago.
Ezekiel Jackson, on the other hand, has a shot to become a major player on SmackDown now he is no longer being held back. He certainly has the look, and his improving mic skills and skill set have potential to get him way over with the crowd.
Barrett contains much more ability to work with other mid-card wrestlers on the blue brand that vie for his Intercontinental title, so I'll go with him to retain the belt with some help from the Corre. Big Zeke doesn't need a title on his road to stardom.
Potential
Wade Barrett has proven in the past that he can make his opponent look decent and provide strong matches.
Ezekiel Jackson hasn't shined all that much in singles competition since he has been given minimal chances, so I believe this match will be his ultimate test as to whether he can hang in here with top stars.
Rey Mysterio vs. R-Truth
6 of 9
Preview
Since April, R-Truth's heel turn has proven to be successful and certainly better than anticipated. His mic skills have immensely improved and has showed a ton of intensity while feuding with long-time friend John Morrison.
Due to the Shaman of Sexy being forced into inactivity to receive surgery, R-Truth's feud with Rey Mysterio came early two weeks ago on RAW, where Truth attacked the Master of the 619 from behind following his main event match.
The assault resumed this past Monday, with R-Truth once again ambushing Mysterio and accepting his challenge to a match at Over the Limit.
Prediction
It was revealed in an interview with Rey Mysterio that he is thrilled to be working with R-Truth and personally requested it upon his move to RAW.
This was the same case a few months ago, where he suggested working with Cody Rhodes during the WrestleMania 27 season and even agreed to lose at Mania to the former Dashing One.
I don't really consider Truth apart of the youth movement, seeing that he's approaching 40 and a veteran of the business, but I do expect for Mysterio to allow Truth some victories in their feud, with this Sunday being one of them.
I expect Truth to pick up his first major victory as a heel and continue the story-line for the next few months.
Potential
R-Truth has been boring to lackluster in the ring in the past, but it's possible he will change up his style a little bit with his recent heel turn. However, his skills are decent enough to keep the match interesting.
There's no denying that Mysterio can work, so expect him to carry most of the match. With the two colliding for the first time on Sunday, I see chemistry definitely developing between them.
Randy Orton vs. Christian (World Heavyweight Championship)
7 of 9
Preview
Bad blood began to boil between Randy Orton and Christian starting on the May 6 edition of SmackDown, where Orton defeated Captain Charisma in an impromptu match to shockingly win the World Heavyweight Championship.
Christian had just won the prestigious title only five days prior (or two if counting the day it was taped), so it caused many hardcore fans to become enraged with the outcome, myself being one of them.
But before I could stop watching wrestling altogether, I realized something: what if it's a part of something much bigger? Jericho had stated the same on his Twitter, and I'm beginning to think he's right.
A heel turn for Christian is most certainly a strong possibility, and if not, then shame on creative team for creating such a waste of time spent on watching the feud grow on Friday nights.
They have coincided well over the last few weeks, with minimal signs of miscommunication. Orton and Christian seem like more of partners than anything, seeing that after they both witnessed the other one being attacked, they still both shook hands and thanked each other afterwards.
Prediction
Realizing that Christian only held the championship five days officially before dropping it to Randy Orton, it would be a major joke to have Captain Charisma win back the title now only after three weeks. It would make the belt seem worthless, but I do hope to see him regain it in the future.
I don't see Orton cheating to win, but picking up the victory in a manner that won't bode well for Christian. Following the match, I predict something to occur between the two that would lead for this rivalry to continue.
Potential
If you didn't see the World Heavyweight Championship match these two had a few weeks ago on SmackDown, I highly recommended going back to watch it, especially the breath-taking ending.
It's no secret that both Orton and Christian can work, which is a major reason I am highly anticipating the continuation of this feud.
This has the potential to once again steal the show if executed correctly, no matter who the victor might be. Both men deserve at least a 10-minute match if not more to really show viewers what they are missing out with on SmackDown.
John Cena vs. the Miz ("I Quit" for WWE Championship)
8 of 9
Preview
Traces of the infamous John Cena and Miz rivalry date back two years ago, but would not become this personal until a few months ago.
Having won the Elimination Chamber match in February, John Cena was guaranteed a WWE Championship main event match against the WWE Champion, The Miz, at WrestleMania 27.
Although, due to other personal issues with a returning Rock, Cena would not win back the WWE Championship belt until last month's Extreme Rules, pinning the Awesome One in a Steel Cage Match that also included John Morrison.
Now, with the stakes higher than ever before, Cena clashes with Miz one final time with the loser having forced to say the symbolic words, "I Quit."
Prediction
Unlike most rivalries in WWE, the John Cena-Miz feud has kept me intrigued with their ongoing promos and unique ways to keep it running strong.
I have been impressed as to how well Miz has been able to keep himself over as a top heel, and his in-ring work has certainly improved to the point where he has the ability to provide us with a suspenseful contest.
Their feud, although predictable, has been logical, and a successful title defense by the Champ is what I'm expecting.
However, Miz did a terrific job in teasing there are numerous ways to make your opponent say the two unbearable words, thus keeping many viewers speculating as to who is coming out victorious.
Cena's slogan is to basically never give up, and I don't see him breaking that motto anytime soon for the sake of the children.
I'd save that special moment for another day. But stay attentive to Alex Riley, as I speculate he may play a big role in this match that may effect his close relationship with The Miz.
Potential
The last two matches between these two on pay-per-view have not impressed me all that much, and were nothing out of the ordinary.
Their match on the RAW after Extreme Rules is what kept my hopes high for another blockbuster match, as they really provided a suspenseful match that night.
Add in the extra anything goes stipulation and you have yourselves one hell of a main event between two of the hottest trending topics in WWE today.
Although it may seem as if the odds are stacked in Cena's favor, I do expect nothing short of awesomeness from The Miz.
Conclusion
9 of 9
As stated before, I found last year's Over the Limit event truly disappointing, particularly the "I Quit" WWE Championship main event despite its intense finish.
After analyzing the upcoming card, I believe this year has the potential to not only outdo last year, but for once give us solid matches that all serve a different purpose.
In my opinion, WWE has promoted this event extremely well, and has actually announced the perfect amount of matches instead of last-minute booking on the night of the show.
I do find it a bit funny that WWE is all of a sudden bringing back out the wrestling in the product, only a week after TNA had done the same but didn't deliver.
Overall, I am looking forward to tuning in to the Over the Limit pay-per-view on Sunday. Review what I've provided you with and decide if you should follow in comparison.
Which matches are you looking forward to? What match do you think will steal the show? What surprises do you expect to take place on this fateful night?
Voice your opinions to these answers and more below in comments, and make sure to enjoy the show if you do choose to order. GSM out.
Visit my website at Next Era Wrestling for more of GSM's writings, along with WWE/TNA news, recaps, and more. Follow me on Twitter @GSM2ndComing.
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