Really, WWE? Really? Really?

Wrestlemania is behind us and so is the RAW that followed. I don't even know where to begin. I will channel my "inner Miz" for this...

A good couple months were spent building up Daniel Bryan. I don't mind him losing his belt. I don't mind him losing matches. However, the United States Title was not even defended at Wrestlemania. It was bumped to the pre-show, made a lumberjack match and then turned into a non-title battle royal. So, instead of making the US title worthwhile at Wrestlemania, we had an 8 man tag match that people couldn't care less about with The Corre. To top it all off, the actual title match took place on RAW and it was a squash by Sheamus. Really, WWE? Really?

Speaking of the Corre... nice match. Another 2 minute match and the Corre LOST. The Tag Team Champions, the Intercontinental Champion and a brute of a man get destroyed. Those titles were also not defended Wrestlemania. How do you not have all of your titles defended at the biggest pay per view of the year? And, assuming you don't for whatever absurd reason, why would you make them mean nothing? Really, WWE? Really?

The Snooki match was all of 10 seconds. I was happy she was there because it gave WWE prime exposure all across entertainment. But... 10 seconds? Did Dolph Ziggler even hit a move? And, again, we had this instead of the US title, Tag Team titles and IC title being defended. Don't misinterpret me, though. Dolph Ziggler and John Morrison deserve to be at Wrestlemania. I find them both entertaining in the ring and both are on the brink of breaking that "Main Event" barrier. So.. this was the best way to use them? Really, WWE? Really?

The people finally get what they want! They people finally get their dream match! It's all about what the people want and how we're finally going to get it from the WWE. The main event of all main events is set! Everyone is all fired up for The Rock vs. John Cena!... in a full calendar year. This entire thing was a set up for something a year away? Really, WWE? Really?

However, the WWE did some things well, too.

The ending to the Orton/C.M. Punk match was nice. The entire match was good and it had an excellent finish. It is nice to see that the feud is continuing, too. This was one of only a few good moments from Wrestlemania and this past RAW.

A surprisingly entertaining match was the Cody Rhodes/Rey Mysterio match. It was the right length of time and helps build the rivalry and Cody Rhodes more. Kudos to Rey for choosing to work with Rhodes and trying to help jump start his career.

The match the WWE got 100% right was Undertaker/HHH. I know everyone is talking about it and it did, indeed, steal the show. It was an old-school, brutal, beat-down of a match with a lot of exciting near falls and OMG moments. The ending was superb and the after-match carting of The Undertaker to the dressing room made it feel like HHH did achieve something even though he didn't get the win.

So, what do we have to look forward to?

The Miz and John Cena will continue their feud. If The Miz would actually have a match and beat John Cena legit, i would be more interested. It's been all sucker punches and blindsides. That's all good to help build the feud and The Miz's character, but eventually he has to win clean or lose clean. I also wouldn't mind if someone killed Alex Riley. He's only slowing down The Miz's growth.

Randy Orton and C.M. Punk will continue their feud as well. I am looking forward to how this culminates at the next PPV and to see what kind of brutal match they will have. It's been entertaining enough and C.M. Punk has really risen as a star in the company. Watch your back, Miz.

Alberto Del Rio will challenge Edge at the next PPV as well. I was actually kind of happy Del Rio didn't win at Wrestlemania. Edge deserves a huge win and title defense like that at the biggest PPV of the year. I would expect Del Rio to win the title at the next PPV, though. If Del Rio would get rid of his ring announcer, i could probably be a fan. I hate the ring announcer with the fire of a thousand suns.

We also get the best, unbelievable, most wanted, super-duper, insane, magical, unprecedented, never before seen, blockbuster, epic, high-profile, main event in the history of mankind... in one year. Yep, John Cena vs. Dwayne "Don't call me The Rock" Johnson settle their heated rivalry in just under 365 days. Can you feel the excitement? The Electricity? I can't. I don't give a
crap.

Here is a highlight video of the newest WWE superstar, Sin Cara. He went by the name Mistico. HHH recruited him. He's pretty amazing. Check it out:

Wrestlemania Predictions... But Not Mine!

I am excited for Wrestlemania and RAW as a fan.

I can honestly say I haven't stated anything like that in a long time without actually attending a show. The WWE has me interested as a fan. Not just as an analyst. Not just as the "Genius." As a fan.

It's obvious that i enjoy wrestling. The fact that i spend time blogging and analyzing a business that i have no connection or affiliation with is proof of that. But the things about wrestling that interest me are a little different than what might interest others. I love being able to tell where the story or angle is going to go (Genius, remember?). I love watching talent grow and develop into a superstar. I also love watching people not reach the potential that they should have. I love seeing that an Indy wrestler that i watched in an gymnasium in Elizabeth, PA is now a multi-time former world champion. I love the physicality and athleticism of wrestling. I love the entertainment value it brings with it. But most of all, I love the BUSINESS of wrestling. However, i haven't been a fan in a very long time. I haven't LOVED the actual product as a fan. Until recently.

This road to Wrestlemania has me looking forward to RAW on Monday every week. It even has me watching Smackdown on occasion, which is unbelievable. Recently, I find myself watching the show as a fan and feeling cloudy on what the outcome might be. 3 weeks ago, I thought for sure John Cena would walk out of Atlanta the champ. Now, I'm not so sure. This new found "fandom" has clouded my genius abilities a bit. It could even be that, for once, I don't want to know ahead of time. I want to be surprised like every other fan. I attended RAW last week and enjoyed it as a fan. The show wasn't all that great, to be honest. It was damn entertaining live though. I found myself cheering for C.M. Punk and John Cena and HHH. Hell, I don't even really like HHH. I found myself being frustrated when Michael Cole was ripping into Lawler yet again. It felt... personal. I was caught up in the moment and it was impressive to watch these professionals do their job and do it well. They have their own mystique.

The Wrestlemania card is shaping up to be a very strong show. The Rock will be present for the entire 4 hours. That'll be entertaining itself. However, the WWE has me caring about the storyline and matches, too. I want to know what happens between Cena, The Miz and The Rock. The Randy Orton and C.M. Punk feud is definitely my favorite and i expect it to be one of the best wrestling matches of the night. HHH and The Undertaker are 2 superstars I don't particularly care for but I think their match at Wrestlemania could steal the show. Is it Del Rio's time to shine? Even the under card looks entertaining.

This would be the blog that would contain my predictions for Wrestlemania. Instead, I am going to let you guys voice your opinions on who you think will win each match. Everyday, i will post a poll in "The Wrestling Genius" Facebook group and you all pick the winner. Post comments in the Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_142956149101477&ap=1). We are one week away from Wrestlemania and i want to hear your thoughts. Your predictions. Your opinions. Of course, i know you love hearing my predictions and opinions. How could you not? But this time, I want to give you all the floor. Let your voice be heard.

Make it happen.

Elimination Chamber Predictions

WWE's Elimination Chamber PPV is tonight so i figured i would dispense some wrestling genius just hours before the PPV begins. I'll predict each match for you and tell you how i made my choices. Think you can keep up?

Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov(c) VS. Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel (Tag Team Championships):

Who would have thought the Cobra would be so over. Sometimes the simplest things get you the biggest bang. Anyways, these teams have been going at each other recently. I doubt it will be a long match but it will be useful as Santino brings a lot of fun and energy to the ring and, therefore, to the PPV. I think the Corre gets some gold here with Slater and Gabriel picking up the win. It could set up Marella and Koslov chasing into Wrestlemania. But I think it could produce more heat for The Corre VS. Nexus battle that's been eluded to in the past.

Kofi Kingston(c) VS. Alberto Del Rio (Non Title):

This will definitely be an entertaining bout as both wrestlers have the ability to go at a pretty high level. I am not a huge fan of Kofi but he has brought it as of late. The Royal Rumble winner, Del Rio, will need some momentum going into his Wrestlemania main event. It will be a very close bout with Tequila JBL getting the win over the IC champion without making Kofi look bad and still giving Del Rio that credibility and momentum he needs. As much as i hate to say it, I am looking forward to this one.

The Miz(c) VS Jerry Lawler (World Heavyweight Championship):

So... yeah. Really? I get that this is a setup for The King to finally get his Wrestlemania moment. I respect The King and agree that he deserves one after all he does. But do you honestly think, especially at this point in time, that the WWE would put the belt on a 61 year old color commentator? There is a difference between genius and insanity. Hopefully Vince McMahon understands that. The match will unfortunately be close but it will serve it's purpose. Someone will cost king the match whether it be Alex Riley or Michael Cole. That will set up The King VS. whoever screws him over at Wrestlemania. Maybe even Ted DiBiase? That's an outside shot.

Edge(c) VS. Kane VS. Wade Barrett VS. Rey Mysterio VS. Drew McIntyre VS. ??? (WWE Championship):

So, Ziggler got fired on the 600th episode off Smackdown. Who takes his place? I don't see it being The Undertaker with all his hype for Monday. I could see the Big Show taking the spot considering he carried Dolph Ziggler out at the end of Smackdown. I can also see Ziggler somehow getting reinstated back into the match somehow. Either way, it doesn't matter. Dolph Ziggler nor his replacement will win the match. Dolph has had his time and he'll have it again but Wrestlemania's main event is not a stage he is ready for yet. Drew McIntyre is the R-Truth of this chamber match. He'll be a non-factor. Kane is only really in the match because of his recent title run. He may have some impact but he surely won't win. Wade Barrett is gaining momentum. I have a lot of respect for Barrett and his work thus far. He came in as a rookie and was the center piece for one of the best and most dominant factions in wrestling in quite some time. That being said, sorry Wade. Not today. Rey Mysterio will provide some entertaining high spots during the contest and will be a huge fan favorite in the match. I still think he will come up short (pun?). When it's all said and done, The Rated R Superstar, Edge, will retain his title and defend against Alberto Del Rio a Wrestlemania.

John Cena VS. C.M. Punk VS. Randy Orton VS. R-Truth VS. John Morrison VS. Sheamus (#1 Contender for World Title):

I'll  be surprised if R-Truth even makes it into the chamber to participate. With being said, he has 0 chance of winning this match. That's "What's up." Sheamus will not win the match because he is going to have to start his  angle with HHH leading into Wrestlemania. Wonderful. But it least it keeps both of them out of the main event. Randy Orton and C.M. Punk will find ways to eliminate each other. With this angle brewing the way it's been, neither of them will move on to face The Miz at Wrestlemania. John Morrison may be the highlight of the night again tonight. This match can feature his entire skill set and i think he will be a focal point of the match. If everything goes as planned, Morrison will look great coming out of the Chamber match... but he won't be the winner. John Cena will walk out of the Elimination Chamber and headline Wrestlemania against The Miz. The Rock will be involved in that match in some form or fashion.

So, there you have it. What do you think? Leave a comment or join us on Facebook and talk a little wrestling.  Who knows... you may actually get to talk to a Wrestling Genius.

Hope i didn't spoil the show for you...

A Less "Rocky" Road to Wrestlemania

So, were you surprised on Monday? Surprised... not excited. There's a difference. If you were surprised then that's unfortunate. It's unfortunate because that means you didn't believe me. You didn't follow my logic as to why The Rock was the best choice to host Wrestlemania. You didn't see what i saw when i said that The Rock brings more publicity to Wrestlemania than just wrestling fans, followers and writers. He is arguably one of the most popular wrestlers EVER in the wrestling industry. In addition, he has eclipsed that popularity with his success in Hollywood. Now, not just "Sports Entertainment" media, but ALL entertainment medias will be covering Wrestlemania. It's already started with ET getting involved. It's what the WWE needed. Hell, it's what wrestling as a whole needed. Monday was exciting to remember what used to be with The Rock and to look forward to what he will do. We're still six weeks away from Wrestlemania. That's a lot of Rocky from now until then.

Exciting? Absolutely. But i am insulted if you were surprised. "The Wrestling Genius" isn't just a gimmick. Next time, you'll know better.

He doesn't have to wrestle to make an impact. He'll get involved, sure. But he won't have a match at Wrestlemania or RAW or anywhere else. His wrestling days are done. That doesn't really matter though. That's not The Rock's expertise. He is a master on the microphone and he proved that on RAW. He has been gone 7 years from the wrestling business. 7 years away from live television. There was no rust, no hesitation and no uncomfortability. He proved why he was able to carry the company so long ago and why he is able to instill life back into a mundane and boring product that's currently being offered to the fans. In one night, after 7 years, The Rock made every wrestler on the current roster look terrible on the mic. I know John Cena, the Miz and CM Punk are great on the mic. Cena has the ability to improvise very well. Punk is very methodical in his deliveries. The Miz is starting to sound like a broken record now, but he is still strong with the mic. However, are they 10's because the rest of the wrestlers are 5's? We had a saying where i used to work: "Don't make a 5 an 8 just because of the environment." The same rings true with the current talent pool in the WWE.

The Rock is a legitimate 10. He was on the mic for 25 minutes. HE was the main event of Raw. No one cared that there was no main event match. Why would they? Why would they want to see another tag team main event of Cena and Orton vs Punk and the Miz? How many times can the fans care that Alex Riley won another match for The Miz or that Orton had to fight off all of Nexus again? The best part of RAW was the main event... and it wasn't a wrestling match. This ties back to my previous blog about a lack of talented wrestlers and main-eventers.

The Rock made some comments and promises that were surprising. He called out The Miz and, to my surprise, John Cena. I expect Cena to win the Elimination Chamber and go on to fight The Miz at Wrestlemania for the title. I also expect the Rock to involve himself in that match somehow. He will probably be the guest referee or special enforcer for the match and be a major factor in the outcome. I think he will finally stop Alex Riley from protecting The Miz's title and Cena will be crowned champion. The Rock also said that he would never leave again. Those are pretty strong words after leaving and never returning for 7 long years. I doubt he will stick around forever like he said but they could develop an on-air role for him on either show. I don't have a prediction on that as of yet, but an obvious choice could be the GM position on Raw. 

I do hope that The Rock can bring back some of the "Attitude Era." This PG garbage has got to go. I don't want to read John Cena tweeting because he said the word ass, damn or shit. This is wrestling and it's not traditional. Punches are thrown. Blood is spilled. It's physical and barbaric. I don't want to watch the participants apologize because they said shit instead of crap. You don't see the UFC guys apologizing when they swear. Most cartoons and movies have more graphic content than a full contact, physical event like a wrestling match. What's wrong with people? It's okay to watch Family Guy or South Park but if John Cena says ass it's the end of the world? Please. John Cena used to rap promos about oral sex among other things. You may be shocked or offended when he first says it but next week you'll forget and cheer like a mindless zombie again. Just like the rest of us.

Oh... the new 2-21-11 video aired. Doesn't everyone feel silly for saying it's Sting. Well, not everyone. I don't. Like i said last week... It's just The Undertaker. The video is at the end of the blog if you missed it.

So, what have we learned today?

1. The Rock is a 10. Especially in this era of wrestling.

2. Attitude Era > *

3. Listening to me will raise your wrestling IQ.

4. I told you so.

Who's in the main event again?

With the Royal Rumble and the following night's RAW behind us, the WWE has begun to pave the "Road to Wrestlemania." I must say, however, that it might be a rocky road to smooth over. The main reason I say that is because the WWE is lacking star power now more than it ever has in the past. When i bring this topic up, most people tell me it's because of injuries and wrestlers retiring. But who all is injured? The Undertaker and Triple H come to mind... but that's it for the main eventers.. Christian and Evan Bourne are a far cry from main eventing even though they are both very valuable to the company. Who retired? Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair are all i can think of. Shawn Michaels can never be replaced as a performer. I don't even think that's really a discussion.

So who does the WWE have as legitimate main eventers? On Raw, i see Randy Orton, John Cena, The Miz and CM Punk. On the outside looking in are John Morrison and Sheamus. I doubt either of those guys will be called legitimate main eventers again. On the Smackdown side, i see Edge, Dolph Ziggler, Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio now. I would say that Kane, The Big Show and Wade Barrett are sufficient plug-ins when necessary. Of all of those names, Edge, Alberto Del Rio, John Cena, The Miz and CM Punk arguably have the best mic skills. But seriously, this is the list of main eventers and mid card stars. Remember when Wrestlemania had blockbuster matches? Remember when great wrestlers were held off the card because of time constraints? They actually had too many good matches that some couldn't be added to the card. That's definitely not a problem in this era.

So what happened? Where did the star power go? Chris Jericho took his normal time off to tour with Fozzy and recharge his batteries. Yes, The Undertaker and HHH are injured which definitely hurts the main event. Booker T, Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy and RVD all went to TNA. I understand the last 2 had additional baggage that helped in their departure from the WWE. However, these are major names that weren't able to be replaced. And the main reason for that? A diminishing pool of talent to choose from. Jim Ross has even mentioned this a few times on his blog (jrsbarbq.com). The WWE has done the best it can with the talent that's available. However, very few pushes to the main event seem to work out. Jim Morrison, MVP, Sheamus to a point, Jack Swagger and Ted DiBiase have all had opportunities at one point or another to main event. None of them are main eventers now.The jury is still out on Wade Barrett. I get a beer and nachos when Sheamus comes out.

Only 3 wrestlers seem to have taken advantage of their main event opportunities. The Miz, CM Punk and to a lesser extent so far... Dolph Ziggler. CM Punk and The Miz are legit. They are here to stay. I hope Dolph Ziggler can keep going. He has tremendous energy in the ring. Will Alberto Del Rio take advantage? He is being given an opportunity to not just main event... but to main event Wrestlemania. He gets this opportunity basically on faith and hope. He has decent in-ring ability from what I've seen so far and has very strong mic skills. However, does that make him ready for the main event at Wrestlemania? And can he and the WWE make the fans care that he is going to be there?

The weight on his shoulders is monumental. Let's see if he is up for it. Let's see if Del Rio can be one of the few success stories in recent WWE memory.

The Royal Rumble

The Royal Rumble is arguably the most exciting PPV the WWE puts on every year. Yeah, I know it's not Wrestlemania. But it's unique. It's not a match. It's survival. Beyond that, it's very hard to predict. Especially this year with 40 wrestlers entering instead of the usual 30. Yeah, i know Cody Rhodes and Kofi Kingston are not going to win the Rumble. But they could still have an impact.

Unfortunately, for me, I am going to try and predict the Rumble. Like i said, it's not an easy task to begin with and this year makes it more difficult. Does the WWE stick with an established main-eventer to headline Wrestlemania? Do they propel wrestlers like John Morrison or Alberto Del Rio into the spotlight? Does someone return like Cena did a few years back and blindside everyone?

Normally, the Royal Rumble winner is not currently feuding with anyone. They have just completed a feud or have a history with the champion planned for Wrestlemania. That makes a returning wrestler a strong candidate to win. HHH? Christian? The Undertaker? But, at the same time, the WWE has been utilizing younger wrestlers more. Guys like The Miz and Dolph Ziggler are in the main event. Alberto Del Rio and John Morrison are in the middle of huge pushes. This year's Rumble may be the hardest to predict yet.

This is what i have come up with.

Here are my top 5 choices for the Royal Rumble Winner:

1. C.M. Punk:

I know above i stated that the winner of the Royal Rumble is normally not involved in a feud. I also know that Punk is really involved in 2 feuds. However, he is a bonafide main eventer, is the leader of the hottest faction in the WWE and has his stable ready to sacrifice themselves in order for him to win. He is a 3 time champ, has held multiple belts and has never won the Royal Rumble. He is also everything the WWE is now looking for in a champion. I may be letting my bias get the best of me, but i see him as the favorite.

2. Alberto Del Rio:

Let me first start by saying I am not a fan of Del Rio at all. I think he has JBL's angle mixed with tequila. But what I like doesn't matter. Vince McMahon loves this guy. He also generates a lot of heat for not being too well known outside of Smackdown. The WWE pushed Del Rio more than any other wrestler up to the Royal Rumble with having him on both RAW and Smackdown for absolutely no reason at all. I don't believe it's his "destiny" but i think his mic skills and in ring skills are "good enough" by WWE standards to evenutally land him in the main event. The Rumble might be the best way to do that.

3. HHH:

Could the Rumble be a great welcome back party for HHH? Maybe... we saw it work out well for John Cena a few years back. It seems obvious that HHH will feud with Sheamus when HHH does return, but that doesn't rule out a Wrestlemania main event slot for Hunter. He is the second biggest draw for the WWE outside of John Cena and, let's face it, the WWE is lacking in star power right now. I could see him return, eliminate Sheamus immediately, win the Rumble, and then handle Sheamus for the next month before the heat really turns up for Wrestlemania. That's a lot of "if's" though... the biggest one being "if" he even returns at all.

4. John Cena:

It's almost impossible not to pick the biggest star in the business today. I don't necessarily see it happening, but again, he is a favorite going into every event. If he doesn't win, it will be because of The Corre and Nexus. The same could be said if he does win. The Corre and Nexus could very well take care of each other before Cena hits the ring. It's all a long shot and Cena will be at Wrestlemania no matter what. Cena losing the Rumble would have no consequences for the WWE.

5. The Miz:

Stay with me. Let's say The Miz doesn't get the job done against Randy Orton. We've seen the WWE pull some crazy swerves with Money in the Bank and with Hell in a Cell matches. Who better to swerve with than The Miz. One of the most despised characters the WWE has currently. He is the new Edge... forever the opportunist. I know it's a long shot, but maybe not as big of a long shot as people may think. It will depend on how the championship matches pan out. Randy Orton's name could just as easily be in this spot.

Runner Up: John Morrison:

John Morrison is proof that if you don't have strong mic skills, you can't be a champion. He has the goods: the look, the style, the arrogance, the in ring ability, the fans... but he is not as good as he should be on the mic. And that is the ONLY thing holding him back. He has improved everything else about his character and wrestling ability including limiting the high spots. He will make a good showing at the Rumble, don't get me wrong. I do expect to see him in the final 10 and maybe even the final 5. This year could have been Morrison's year... he just didn't know how to tell us.