Eyes On WWE: The 5 Best Matches At WWE Battleground

By @TrueGodImmortal

Battleground is coming up and while I'm not entirely excited about this year's event, in the past, this event has spawned some good matches. Today, I wanted to look at the best matches in the PPV's history. Let's get into it.

5. John Cena vs Kevin Owens
US Championship Match
Battleground 2015

-The three match series between the two stars culminated in this excellent contest that was just below the quality of the first two matches. This was a back and forth battle that saw both men give it their absolute all and Owens should have won this contest and the US Title, but of course, Cena walked away with the victory. Everything about this match was great up until the final minute, when Owens lost by submission. I don't think a submission loss did much to help Owens and his momentum, and because of that, this match is not higher on the list.

4. The Usos vs The Wyatt Family
2 Out Of 3 Falls Tag Team Title Match
Battleground 2014

-Before their Day One Ish, the Usos were trapped in a limited gimmick and had to let their talent show in the ring. During this run, they would have consistently good matches against the best of the best in the tag team division at the time, and there was no greater series for them than against The Wyatt Family in 2014. This match was great and saw some really entertaining action where near fall after near fall made the crowd even more into it, after it was tied 1-1. The Usos won this near 19 minute contest and retained their tag team titles 2-1 in this 3 falls match.

3. Cody Rhodes and Goldust vs The Shield
Battleground 2013

-At the initial Battleground event, this Tag Team Match was the best match on the card without question. The story was built perfectly, with Cody going through hell and back after losing his job. He finally decided that enough was enough and with his father Dusty in his corner, he teamed up with his brother Goldust, who was also fired at one point to try and get reinstated. If The Shield won the match, the Rhodes family in general would have been terminated forever. However, after 14 minutes of great action, the Rhodes brothers ended up winning and getting their jobs back. It's unfortunate that they didn't do much after this story, but this match was superb from beginning to end.

2. Dean Ambrose vs Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match
Battleground 2016

-The match we all waited for. The Shield Triple Threat. It lived up to the hype, but was unfortunate because it deserved to headline Summerslam instead. Regardless, with the brand extension coming and Ambrose heading to Smackdown, this match was set and ready to go. The contest went about 20 minutes and had great action throughout. All three men showed up and showed out, but only one man could emerge victorious. That man would prove to be Ambrose on this night, and he was heading to Smackdown with the WWE Title in his possession with one of the biggest wins of his career.

1. Sami Zayn vs Kevin Owens
Battleground 2016

-The best match in the short history of the event was supposed to end the most infamous rivalry of the last 10 years in the business. However, the rivalry wasn't really ending, but the match was a classic. Owens and Zayn went back and forth for 19 minutes, giving each other everything they had to try and walk away with the victory. Zayn had struggled to get a convincing victory over Owens, but that changed on this night when Sami would have his hand raised. This great rivalry added another epic chapter here.

-True 

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Eyes on the Ring 1:53 AM  1 comment

EOTR Match Of The Week: Seth Rollins vs Dean Ambrose- Summerslam 2014

By @Phranchize19

Sometimes feuds can just come together without much help. Sometimes feuds write themselves. The story of the breakup of The Shield is one of them. Today, I wanted to take a look back at the huge match between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose at SummerSlam 2014, a monumental lumberjack match.

Background
The Shield had finally disbanded with Seth Rollins turning on Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose. With Ambrose and Reigns still feuding with The Authority, it was only a matter of time before each "remaining" member of The Shield got their chance at Rollins. Ambrose had the first shot and he wanted it bad. These two were supposed to have a match at Battleground, but WWE wisely saw that this was a money match and decided to push it to Summerslam (one of the smartest moves ever because this feud was red hot) by having Ambrose thrown out of the arena after attacking Rollins. In the weeks leading up to this match, these two would go back and forth.

The Match
The match starts off with a fist fight. Both men would be tossed outside only to be thrown back in by the lumberjacks. The action would then pick up and in a bizarre turn of events, both men ended up outside and into the crowd. The lumberjacks would attempt to bring Seth back into the ring, but Ambrose jumps on everyone in one of the better spots you'll see in a match. When these two get back into the ring, Ambrose takes control and hits the Curb Stomp on Seth. When it looks like Ambrose was going to win, Kane interferes, which brings Goldust in to read him the riot act which then ignites all the lumberjacks to get in the ring and fight. After the lumberjacks are cleared of the ring, Rollins uses the Money In The Bank briefcase to defeat Ambrose.

Phranchize Grade And Analysis 
I think is the most creative of all the lumberjack matches I've seen honestly. The action from start to finish was really solid and I enjoyed every minute of it. These two put on a great one.

Rating: 8/10

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Eyes on the Ring 10:47 PM  No comment

What The Reigns Suspension Could Mean

By @SpeedontheBeat

I know, I know. It's a topic that's probably been beaten to death like a dead horse by a dead horse. However, it's still some pretty big news. So, for the benefit of those who've been avoiding the "dirt sheets" (LOL) and any spoiler-esque material like the Plague, Cena Heir Apparent former WWE WHC Roman Reigns was suspended recently for thirty days for his first offense against the WWE's Wellness Policy.

Before we start screaming "steroids," a lot of things are, apparently, tested for within the WWE Wellness tests. So, it could've been weed. It could've been PCP-laced crack cocaine. It, also, could've been steroids. But, we're not here to speculate about what or even why Reigns got popped with something illegal in the first place.

Instead, let's talk some wrasslin'. As always, look for my Russo-esque musings as if I don't mark the hell out over something amazeballs in wrestling because why not?

With Reigns out for the next month-or-so (even though he's slated to, because I have no witty comeback, be a part of Battleground), what could happen within the WWE Universe? For starters, we don't have to deal with "suffering succotash"-esque promos from THE Guy. Seriously, can someone get him a manager or something? But, that brings me to my first point. If Reigns is out, this is a great time to reset his character. He's just not working as Samoan Cena. Sorry not sorry.

I hate saying "HEEL TURN" as a remedy for people being stale. But...Reigns turning heel may be the only thing left for him at this point. More and more fans, including the "casuals," are starting to turn on him. It's not just us grown-ass men at events booing him or tuning him out with their own chants. Even the kids and ladies are starting to say "eh." Sure, he's got the body of a GAWD (read that in a Vince McMahon voice), but he's just not charismatic enough to be front and center. Give him a manager, have him come back and beat the crap out of everyone, have said manager tell the Universe that Reigns is tired of hearing your booing bullcrap. He's THE Guy, now and forever. Boom. You've got yourself Samoan Brock Lesnar.

And, truth be told? That's not a bad position for Reigns to be in. He can just come in, kick ass, leave, and have his manager talk crap. If they're going to try and save Reigns, this suspension couldn't have come at a better time.

But, what about the rest of the talent? Well, plain and simple, they've got to step the hell up. Roman's only going to be out for a month. That's a lot of time for a, say, Kevin Owens to come in and bulldoze his way in or a Sami Zayn to challenge Seth Rollins (that's a Smackdown match tonight, by the way; I hear it's pretty solid) and reassert himself as a star in the making (he just needs that one chance, that one signature victory). However, for WWE WHC Champion Dean Ambrose, it's a chance for him to showcase that he truly can be THE Guy (sorry Roman).

Think back to Ambrose's main event run in late 2014. He had a head full of steam, but due to wacky promos (see his testicular torture of a Seth Rollins dummy) and wackier moments (see TLC 2014), people started to think of him less as a loose cannon, less as what Brian Pillman could've been, and more of a comedic foil. He became Reigns' little buddy. This is a chance to atone for that. He's like Stone Cold and Pillman wrapped into one Mankind-esque package. He can take torture, he can dish it out, he can talk on the mic, and he can wrestle his ass off.

THIS CANNOT HAPPEN AGAIN! I DON'T CARE WHAT
HAS TO HAPPEN TO AVOID IT!

For Ambrose, this is just as much of a critical time as it is for, potentially, "saving" the Reigns persona. Seth Rollins will be fine regardless of what happens in the next month. He's SETHFRIGGINGROLLINS. He came back after close to a year to a mammoth pop. He'll be fine. But for Ambrose, he has a chance to make some history and some classic matches with Rollins (and perhaps Reigns). They've got to book Ambrose like they would've booked Stone Cold.

That's my opinion on it. That's my bottom line.

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Eyes on the Ring 1:00 PM  No comment

Kevin Owens KO's Elimination Chamber

By Peagle (@Peagle05)

Feels like I've been gone as long as The Rock was, article-wise, but I'm back...and holy shit Elimination Chamber was mostly dumpster juice. The Tag Team chamber match was cool. Crappy finish, but cool. IC chamber match was so bad, I started watching Bar Rescue re-runs while it was going on. Neville/Bo was forgettable, the Divas match? I won't talk about it because it’ll just cause me to take another bathroom break mid-sentence. And the main event was pretty good, even with the Dusty Finish that gave us all a little false hope that Dean would be champ that night.

*Stephen A Smith voice* HOWEVAH!!!

In the match of the night, and the match of the year in WWE to this point, Kevin Owens and John Cena put on a classic bout that saw KO beat Cena clean in the middle of the ring with the Pop-Up Powerbomb. Owens pulled out everything he had for this match and it seemed like a greatest hits of his previous matches on the indies. This is a man that's easily 260 pounds and he's popping from rope to rope to attempt a Moonsault with ease.

WWE has something special with Owens and they damn sure better know it after last night. And credit to Cena for what he's done this year, he's hanging with the younger wrestlers and putting them over even in losses. This isn't the Cena/Wyatt version of John Cena where it's just blatant that he's going over and it doesn't help his opponent. John has put a new effort into giving his opponent the rub they need even in a defeat. But this match here? Cena made Owens look strong. He even let Owens hit the AA on him. KO looked like he belonged in WWE. 

You know what the best part of this match was? 

We all waited for it...we just KNEW Cena would hit his comeback, do his victory assuring “Rushed AA” (You know the one I'm talking about) and we would marvel at the match but lament KO's loss. Instead, Cena hits that AA but Owens kicks out, we get Cena later attempting a second of 2 clotheslines, missing and catching a Pop-Up Powerbomb for his troubles. 1-2-3...Owens wins. I can only hope WWE doesn't mess this up. Owens came to the biggest moment of his career to this point and knocked it out. Congrats to Kevin Owens on a successful main roster debut. Here's hoping to more greatness from him, I'm gonna go watch that match again.

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Eyes on the Ring 11:08 AM  1 comment

The Significance Of The Beast

Brock Lesnar has resigned to the WWE for a multi-year deal. This is the second time in a row that Brock has signed a multi-year deal with the company, and who could blame him? Vince drops millions of dollars in his bank account, Brock works 25-30 days a year, wrestles 4 times a year, and gets to be home with his family 90% of the year. Who wouldn't take that deal? To be fair, having Brock back in WWE hasn't seemed to provide the huge ratings or merch sales boost that WWE expected, but I think Vince sees Brock as a worthy investment regardless. Brock has never been a big media guy, and that doesn't seem likely to change, but his announcement on ESPN that he has closed the door on a MMA return, and would be staying with WWE for multiple years rocked all social media and delighted wrestling fans all over.

The question remains, what does this mean for WWE going forward? Who are some potential opponents for Brock? How many years is included in this particular multi year deal? With regards to the amount of years in Brock's resigned contract, I'm going to guess 2-3 years, with 2 years being the logical option as WrestleMania 33 is rumored to be in Minneapolis, Brock's hometown.

"Brock re-signs with @WWE." #CongratsToUs pic.twitter.com/nltmx4UCsp

— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) March 24, 2015

As far as what's next? And potential opponents? Here's my view:

There is no reason for Brock to lose to Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania 31. The most bland main event in WWE history, in terms of excitement for the match and build, should end with Brock victorious. Last year, Brock ended the Undertaker's streak and I cannot imagine throwing that away just to put Reigns in a title picture that he obviously isn't ready for. However, knowing WWE, Reigns will win, Rollins will cash in, and we get Rollins vs Reigns for the title afterwards as Brock takes his normal three-month vacation with great pay. This does nothing for the company in essence, if Brock is going to stay in WWE for another two years. I would like to see Brock vs Daniel Bryan at Summerslam for the WWE Title, and Brock even said himself that he looks forward to working with Bryan in the future, getting us closer to the reality of seeing the match we all really wanted at WrestleMania 31.

Now, we don't know if Brock's contract calls for a few more dates than before, but if I'm WWE, I'm making sure that this investment is 100% worth it, and using him as much as we can within the 2 years. Unlike The Rock, Brock's part time schedule isn't because he's busy doing 45 other things, its because he just doesn't want to work that much. Now, at 25 dates a year, that's no way to really build a huge feud, so if I'm WWE, I'm asking for 35-40 dates along with 5-6 matches per year.

Vince is backing up the money truck, the least Brock can do is add 5-10 more dates to the contract and 1-2 extra matches. I would say that its more than necessary at this moment. Brock returning initially made him a special attraction, but now that effect has wore off some. He is still a huge attraction, but the wrestle once, disappear for months, wrestle once, repeat disappearance shit has gotten old after three years.

Brock has committed to WWE for multiple years and canceled out MMA, so I believe that he should give the WWE a bit more as far as appearances go. Brock wrestling at Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, Extreme Rules (or Money In The Bank), Summerslam, Night of Champions (or Hell In A Cell), and Survivor Series is what's best for business. It gives the fans more Brock Lesnar, which they want, while not over saturating his appearances/matches. A strategy that if utilized correctly, will be perfect. Now, the final question, and most important question would have to be, who can Brock face over the course of these next few years?

Daniel Bryan

This is the match that everyone wants. Bryan vs Brock. David vs Goliath. This is the money match. Bryan vs Brock could end up as an all time classic and if anyone should hand Brock his first loss since WrestleMania 29, it should be Bryan.

Randy Orton

In all seriousness, this match needs to happen. It should have happened at the Royal Rumble instead of Cena getting a shot at the title. But, WWE and their usual bullshit comes to mind. However, I fully expect a Brock vs RKO match, and I can't wait to see it. It will be extreme and intense.

Rusev

In the future, after say the Orton and Bryan matches (Ed. Note: and potentially barring Rusev losing to Cena at WrestleMania), a big match between a face Brock and mega heel Rusev could provide a great showdown.

The Rock

This match needs to happen as well. A lot of people are saying "this isn't 2002," and you're right. It isn't. Brock Lesnar is a mainstream household name, The Rock is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, and both are considered legends in this business. Yes, we saw Brock vs Rock in 2002. We also saw Undertaker vs Brock in 2002 and 2003. We saw Brock vs Cena in 2003 as well. The Rock was the one who helped get Brock over the top by losing cleanly to him, some 13 years ago at Summerslam 2002. Their careers since have both taken an interesting turn, and with all those years passed, I think it'd be perfect for one last match between the two in front of 100,000 plus at WrestleMania 32.

Dean Ambrose

Dean is one of the most over guys in the company period and he's positioned as a lunatic character wise. He's also selling merch considerably well, and has the vocal chops to spar with Brock's advocate Paul Heyman. The match between the two would be physical, brutal and I would love to see these two go at it.

Bray Wyatt

This might be the most exciting potential feud here. Heyman vs Wyatt on the mic? The New Face of Fear versus The Beast? This is MONEY. I'M SOLD!

Seth Rollins

I rather enjoyed the interactions with Brock and Seth Rollins leading up to the Rumble and would love to see him go one on one with Brock. That match would be great.

Cesaro

The ship hasn't sailed on this. With proper booking, decent build up, and more, I think Brock vs Cesaro could be a classic.

Closing thoughts:I'd keep Brock away from Cena, HHH, Taker, Sting, Ryback, Big Show, Kane, Mark Henry, and even Sheamus, to be honest. Let him work with the majority of the new blood, the quicker guys, the more sound wrestlers, with one huge attraction match against The Rock and call it a career. Brock is best with booked with great in ring performers, as this was evident in 2002-2003. Brock excelled against the Benoits, Edges, Rocks, Takers, Guerreros, and of course Angles of that era, but bored against the bigger men or older wrestlers. It is vital to keep Brock with fresher talent and let the magic happen.

Where does Brock go from here? Only he and the WWE know, but the whole world is intrigued. And that is special in its own right. Long Live The Beast.

@TrueGodImmortal

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Eyes on the Ring 2:40 PM  No comment

Jon and Nathan's WrestleMania 31 Predictions

Hello Ringers! WrestleMania is this Sunday night and Jon and myself are here to run down the card and give you our monthly dose of pay-per-view predictions as it pertains to the 31st annual show of shows. WrestleMania is always the be all, end all when it comes to the WWE season, so to speak. 

We could see some career-defining moments at this show and it could prove to be a very interesting one. However, the build has been terrible--and that’s being nice. So if you’re like me (in other words, not that excited about this show’s prospects), hopefully, we’ll get you as ready as you can be. With that said le’ts get down to business and the predictions of the show.

Kickoff: Fatal 4 Way for the WWE Tag Team Titles

The Usos vs. Los Matadores vs. Big E and Kofi Kingston vs. Cesaro and Tyson Kidd (C)

Jon: This match has been thrown together in recent weeks for WrestleMania and its very apparent that it is rushed. There hasn't been a focus on the tag division in a long time. Hopefully, this changes immediately after WrestleMania. There are some good teams in the division that if given can a chance and some consistent direction would bring the titles back to promise.

Kidd & Cesaro are a good pairing even with Natalya as their manager. Los Matadores have yet to convert me into a fan but they are solid in ring. New Day should be heels, WWE dropped the ball and really need to correct this misjudgment. The Usos are without a doubt the best team in the division, but with one of the twins being hurt their chances of recapturing gold seems slim. Kidd and Cesaro could use an extended run with the titles and will retain in the pre-show.

Jon’s Prediction: Winners and still WWE World Tag Team Champions Tyson Kidd and Cesaro

Nathan: This match is a match which gives everyone some airtime because let’s face it: we have not only this match, we have a ladder match and a 30-Man Battle Royal. That means that everyone and their mother is on this show.

The match itself was thrown together as Jon said. The tag team division needs a serious overhaul and this is not the way to do it. I understand the argument that they are at least doing something with the tag team division but just because it’s something doesn’t mean it’s the best thing they could be doing. With Cesaro and Kidd winning the tag team titles just last month, there is absolutely no way that they do not retain the titles here.

Nathan’s Prediction: Winners and still WWE World Tag Team Champions Tyson Kidd and Cesaro

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Konnor, Viktor, Kane, Big Show, Darren Young, Titus O'Neil, Jack Swagger, The Miz, Ryback, Curtis Axel, Fandango, Adam Rose, Zack Ryder, Erick Rowan, Sin Cara, Damien Sandow, Goldust, Mark Henry, Heath Slater, a NXT Superstar TBD, others TBA

Jon: Last year when this match was announced, there was a lot of hope that this would be used as a way to launch someone’s career like the Money in the bank has done in the past. That failed to happen last year when Cesaro won the Battle Royal. This year, of all the wrestlers who deserve a Mania moment, it would be Ryback. Ryback has yet to win any title or match of significance. This could be the first accolade that gets the big man on a very good roll in 2015.

Jon’s Prediction: Ryback

Nathan: I’m actually surprised that this match is on the show due to the fact that when it was made last year, I wasn’t sure if they would continue the trend of doing it year to year. I’m glad to see that they have continued to honor Andre The Giant’s memory by continuing with the tradition.

But, having said that I hope that they handle the winner better this year than they did last year. If I had to pick a winner here it has to be Damien Sandow/Mizdow. I feel this is his way of getting out of this gimmick that has been going on way too long. It’s been great for what it has been but it’s time for it to end.  

There is the caveat that Sheamus could return and win because it’s the worst-kept-secret probably of the entire weekend. But, even with that aspect of it I feel this is Damien Sandow’s match to win. This will hopefully allow Sandow to finally recover from losing the Money In The Bank briefcase back in 2013 because ever since then he’s been stuck in midcard hell. However, now is a chance to seriously rebuild him and a win here will do that.

Nathan’s Prediction: Damien Sandow

AJ Lee and Paige vs. The Bella Twins

Jon: Looks like the very fragile team of Paige and AJ lee has fallen apart after this weeks Monday Night Raw. That friction will make it hard for them to overcome the Bella Twins.The mean girl twins have been making Paige's life very difficult for months, attempting to bully her or humiliating her in anyway possible, going as far as stealing her clothes in hopes she would have to wrestle nude. A Nikki Bella win would show the world that she and Brie are over their little rift that they had before she became champion.

Jon’s Prediction: The Bella Twins

Nathan: I could care less about this match. We had a Diva’s Title match on the go home RAW to WrestleMania between challenger Paige and champion Nikki Bella and it wasn’t a great match but it wasn’t that good either. The match that took place between Nikki and Paige should be the one that is taking place at WrestleMania however we are getting a pointless tag tam match on the biggest show of the year and I’m not sure why.

I’m going to go against Jon on my prediction for this match though and go with AJ Lee and Paige to pick up the win. I have a feeling that whoever picks up the pinfall between AJ and Paige will pin Nikki Bella in order to set up a Divas title match at Extreme Rules.

That’s the logical thing to do anyway to make this match sort of mean something. But...we’re talking about a company with no logic so I don’t know what to tell you.

Nathan’s Prediction: AJ Lee and Paige

Sting vs. Triple H

Jon: So many questions surround this match. Sting has thwarted The Authority’s plans on several occasion since showing up in WWE at Survivor Series. He still has great presence about him and the crowd is in a frenzy when he is at Raw. But, on Sunday, we need answers!

Can he still wrestle to the standard that he set back in WCW? Can Sting defeat The Game at the grandest stage of them all? Is Triple H still the Cerebral Assassin or has the suit and tie put him in early retirement? While Sting hasn’t had a match in WWE, Triple H hasn’t had a match since Payback 2014. If you’ll recall, Evolution lost to The Shield, which set up for The Authority adding the future of the WWE, Seth Rollins, to their ranks. I’m going with Sting.  

Jon’s Prediction: Sting

Nathan: This match has some intrigue to it. I’m interested in seeing how this match plays out and whether or not it ends up being any good. Everything in this match all depends on Triple H as far as whether it’s seen as good or bad in the end. Sting just turned 56 years old and this match will be a true test of how good a worker Triple H really is.

I just hope that the match exceeds my expectations. This match received the best build of this Mania Season and I’m really excited to watch Sting in a WWE ring for the first time. But, I would be lying if I said I was a bit nervous going in because I feel this match is either going to be really good or really bad with no in-between. I’m looking for Sting to win this match because since this is Sting’s first-ever match in a company that he waited fourteen years to be a part of. That and it’d be a complete waste to have Triple H win here.

Nathan’s Prediction: Sting

Bray Wyatt vs. The Undertaker

Jon: A year later it’s still hard to come to terms with the fact that Taker's streak came to an end last year. Furthermore Taker hasn’t returned to the ring since last year, what kind of physical condition is he in after the physical beating he took from Brock Lesnar? Regardless of his condition The Phenom always shines at Mania.

Bray has done a great job at providing the fuel to make this match interesting without Taker being on any Monday Night Raw leading up to mania. Bray claims to be the new face of fear, and its a claim that he has every right to. There’s no character like him in the WWE; his promos are lined with cryptic messages and his actions are explainable. Defeating The Undertaker would firmly cement himself in that role, yet, also send Taker into retirement, that is a task easier sad than done.

Jon’s Prediction: The Undertaker

Nathan: Does anyone honestly care about this match? I don’t. This match makes me question the decision to end The Streak last year. I figured that since The Streak did in fact end that we were seeing the last of the Undertaker inside of the ring. But now, they are bringing him back for some reason I still can’t put my finger on.

We are in a weird situation going into this match because both of these men lost their respective matches at WrestleMania 30.  Bray lost against Cena last year and is now 0-1 at the Show of Shows and we all know that after Taker lost to Lesnar, he is now 21-1. This match has no streak in it so either guy could win. The idea of a Sting vs. Taker match at WrestleMania has been rumored for next year at 32. But if Taker loses again (which I feel he will), that match should not happen.  Bray Wyatt can easily be put into the role of the “New Face Of Fear.” But, regardless who wins, from a booking standpoint, it’s a lose-lose situation for WWE.

Nathan’s Prediction: Bray Wyatt

Ladder Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship

Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Luke Harper vs. Stardust vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Bad News Barrett (C)

Jon: This ladder match has all the ingredients to steal the show if done correctly. The right mix of brawlers, technical wrestlers and risk takers. When title first was getting stolen every week I thought what another waste of a Wade Barrett title run. As it progressed and all the participants were getting involved the shenanigans were hilarious especially R-Truth. Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler have great chemistry with one another a storyline between the two after this seems only logical. Dean Ambrose would be the most unpredictable component of this match. He is on a mission to bring the IC title back to its prestigious air it should be.

Jon’s Prediction: Winner and NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion: Daniel Bryan

Nathan: This match can (and will) steal the show, I’m not happy with how this match was built up. Everyone in this match stole the title during RAW or SD! or a house show, which, in my eyes, makes it look meaningless. People keep telling me that this match is a way to build prestige to the title. But, I honestly don’t see it that way.

What this match is in reality is a replacement for the Money In The Bank Ladder match that used to take place at this show. Ever since the Money In The Bank Ladder match received its own self-titled PPV and was removed from WrestleMania, it has created a hole in the card at WrestleMania itself. While I’m looking forward to this match, I really hope this is a one time thing.

If it is made a yearly thing, it could damage this title’s prestige even further. They may be doing something with the title but just because it’s something doesn’t mean it’s good. Daniel Bryan will win this match but I honestly question WWE putting him in this match given the fact that he just came back from a career-threatening injury.

Nathan’s Prediction: Winner and NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan

John Cena vs. Rusev (C)

WWE United States Championship Match

Jon: The most exciting and unpredictable not on this match up will be their entrances. It’s almost a forgone conclusion that Cena will win the United States Championship. This feud hasn’t been all that bad though, Rusev has shined in his role and has delivered some great beat downs to Cena. While he will receive his first loss by pinfall or submission I’m sure, he can recover from it.

Jon’s Prediction: Winner and NEW WWE United States Champion John Cena

Nathan: I’m really excited for this match. Their last match was really good and I have a feeling that this match will be one that we will talk about around the water cooler the next day. Rusev has been built up as an unstoppable monster ever since he made his debut on the main roster and now he comes face to face with the face of the company. I really would like to see Rusev get the win here in convincing fashion but that already happened at Fast Lane so it won’t happen.

I like John Cena, don’t get me wrong, but I do not want him winning this. However, he will in fact win this match because if Cena doesn’t overcome the unstoppable monster, who else will? Rusev will take his first pinfall or submission loss in this match but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t afraid for his future. Remember Goldberg? Well he lost in very shady fashion via Taser to Kevin Nash. So, I hope if Rusev has to lose it’s handled better than that and that Rusev is able to recover from Cena.

Nathan’s Prediction: Winner and NEW WWE United States Champion John Cena

Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton

Jon: This match up has been almost a year in the making. Once Seth became the authorities favorite turncoat, there has been nothing but friction between the two. Things only got worst after Rollins took Randy Orton out of action for a several months. Once Orton came back it didn’t take long for him to get a measure of revenge on The Authority and Seth Rollins. One of the best moments on the road to WrestleMania was seeing the Viper fight side by side with The Icon Sting.  At Mania Orton will avoid a curb stomp and hit a RKO out of nowhere in spectacular fashion for the victory.

Jon’s Prediction: Randy Orton

Nathan: This match is going to be good, this past Monday we had Rollins and J and J security take on Randy Orton in a three on one handicap match and this Sunday they finally go one on one.  It’s been building for a while and actually received a decent build as part of a lackluster WrestleMania season.

Since I have a feeling Seth Rollins will be doing something later on in the evening normally I would say that he would be winning this. However, this is WWE and they don’t think with real, legitimate, logical logic. Instead they use WWE Logic and using that logic, it tells me that Randy Orton will win this match. But, I have a feeling Seth Rollins will come out of the night as the real winner once it is all said and done.

Nathan’s Prediction: Randy Orton

Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar (C)

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match

Jon: If Paul Heyman hasn’t sold you on why you should want to see this match, I assume you have had your head stuck in the mud for the past month. Paul has perfectly conveyed why Roman Reigns have a legitimate chance, all the while showcasing why his beast Brock Lesnar will destroy Roman like every other Challenger in recent months.

The tug of war at the end of RAW was definitely a waste of time and a lost chance to have a meaningful physical encounter against between champion and challenger. With Brock recently re-signing with the WWE the outcome of this match is less obvious than it was just a week ago. The crowd has changed its opinion on Reigns. Once the darling of the WWE Universe he is now a stain on a favorite t-shirt, believe that.  There are still fresh matches for Brock to have in WWE that would be great television and even better matches.

Jon’s Prediction: Winner and Still WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar

Jon’s Prediction, continued: No matter who wins the Brock vs. Reigns match, Seth Rollins will cash in and become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Jon’s Prediction: Winner and NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.

Nathan: Has there ever been a more underwhelming main event than this one? If you were to ask me who was going to win this match yesterday, I would have told you that there is no way that Roman Reigns doesn’t win. However, with what happened yesterday evening, with Brock Lesnar announcing that he’s re-signed with the WWE on a multi-year deal? It makes the match a little less predictable.  I’ll be looking for Brock Lesnar to win the match and retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship but that’s not all folks…

Nathan’s Prediction: Winner and Still WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar

Nathan’s Prediction, continued: WWE has a chance to do a first at a WrestleMania and I think they will do it here. After this match between Reigns and Lesnar is over, look for Seth Rollins to come down to the ring and cash in his Money In The Bank briefcase on a vulnerable Brock Lesnar. The bell will ring they may do a few things in the match itself. But, I feel that the match will end with a curb stomp and we will have a new WWE World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania via the first-ever Money In The Bank Briefcase cash in at the showcase of the immortals.

Nathan’s Prediction: Winner and NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.

There you have it ladies and gentleman. You now know where Jon and myself stand when it comes to the Showcase Of The Immortals known only as WrestleMania. This is what we see happening at the show and although I’ve been unenthused with the build itself towards this event, I hope the event itself delivers.  This is the end of the line when it comes to the Road To WrestleMania and it will go a long way in letting us know where this company is headed in the future.

Until Sunday be sure to follow Jon on Twitter at @BigJonDaLegend and myself at @Headliner5.  Also be sure to follow the EOTR master page at @EyesOnTheRing and stay tuned to www.EyesOnTheRing.com. If you have any additional thoughts be sure to hit us up on Twitter by tweeting Jon, the main Eyes On The Ring account, or myself. Also be sure to go to Facebook.com/EyesOnTheRing hit that like button and share your thoughts on WrestleMania there as well.  

Finally don’t forget to tune into the post WrestleMania edition of Eyes On The Ring radio via Elite Podcast Network located right here at 11:30PM EST.  So long ringers we will see you at the show.

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Eyes on the Ring 8:38 AM  No comment

Speed on the Beat's RAW Preview - 10/20

First of all, let's send some condolences to the family of wrestling great Ox Baker, who passed at the age of 80. Baker, one of the first wrestlers to bring the heart punch into the squared circle, faced off with the likes of The Original Sheik and Randy Savage. Baker also had a part in shaping the man we revere as The Undertaker. As seen in the below clip, he wasn't just an ox who liked to hurt people. He could also talk, something that's still a bit of a rarity in the pro wrestling world.

And now for something completely different: tonight's RAW.

Lillian Garcia isn't the only thing that's new, but still throwback on tonight's episode. Since this is the go-home episode before Hell in a Cell (and the next-to-last RAW before WWE 2K15 drops next week), we can expect a lot of build-up for HIAC and many not-so-subtle references to the game (probably less than next week's episode, but they'll still be plentiful). But, oddly enough, less than a week out from HIAC, there are (maybe) four matches set. So, with that said, here are some things to look for:

Some sort of development between A.J. Lee and Paige: 

For weeks, we've been getting this weird, borderline stalker/lesbian-esque angle between A.J. and Paige. Sexy pins, backstabbing, even a few "LOLAJWINZ" moments. But, at the end, we're still left with a "what's next" for the Diva's Champion and her rival. Expect a schmozz which leads to a match between the two at the pay-per-view. Now, granted, the fire/collective fanboy orgasm from these two battling has died down. But, with a pay-per-view on its way (and money to make), you can also expect some more of this.

Dean Ambrose to pop out of somewhere to attack Seth Rollins: 

Look, this event, even if it doesn't get the main event spot, is my personal main event and will be treated as such by a lot of the WWE Universe (notice I didn't say all; I'm not that delusional). So, my money's on Dean going all Lunatic Fringe on Seth and popping out of his briefcase appear out of thin air to layeth the Smackdown on Seth (to a nice, big pop). Seth's done a great job heeling it up to the point you want to see his effin' head kicked in. Inversely, Dean's played a great anti-hero you can still rally behind. Now, will Dean be the next SCSA, I honestly don't care right now. I just want to see these two beat the crap out of each other at every chance they get.

Something Something Cena, Something Something RKO Out of Nowhere:

Since this is the WWE we're talking about, let's assume that there's still another Cena/Ambrose vs Orton/Rollins match tonight. This probably leads to Randy Orton of #RKOVines fame hitting an RKO...out of nowhere (even though we see it every friggin' time). My money's on Cena eating canvas (since Cena will probably win on Sunday). I like Cena/Orton matches. I also like grilled cheese sandwiches. The thing with too many grilled cheese sandwiches, however, is that they can kill you. And yet another Cena/Orton match-up, to me, can kill the vibe from a crowd (unless we get something like this again).

Wyatt Family Values:

The Wyatt Family, one of the bright spots in the WWE, is rumored to be on the verge of a major restructuring. I'm intrigued to see how WWE will build on the past two weeks' promos. I mean, we got to hear Rowan speak! That's gotta be worth something. Now, rumors (gotta love 'em) say The Ascension will be Bray's new right and left-hand-men. However, I think that there's gonna be more in the cards for this "it's coming" tease they're showing. I mean, I don't exactly see The Ascension becoming Wyatts as a "peel the skin from the top of your head" revelation. Kevin Steen randomly popping up and almost instantly turning Bray face to challenge for the tag titles, setting up a Steen/Wyatt vs. Harper/Rowan feud, which ultimately leads to Steen vs. Wyatt for the Big W (I don't know what other nickname to give the WWEWHC)? Now, that would be a Bray revelation. 

...what? I can fantasy book, can't I?

Give Ziggler Something to Do:

[Insert random match here, with Miz/Mizdow coming out]

Rusev...etc.

[Insert random Big Show/Henry beatdown of Rusev, leading to Rusev...crushing Big Show. Oh, and Lana. Lots of Lana]

Ok, and that's about it. I'm sure there'll be other things happening. For instance, the Bunny will be revealed to be...who gives a flying-you-know-what. But, hey. These were my thoughts on this week's RAW before it airs. 

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Eyes on the Ring 2:32 PM  No comment