The Silver Report: April 28 - May 4

Last week, I shared my Top 5 WWE Championship matches in honour of the WWE Championship’s 50^th anniversary.  This week, it is back to the regularly scheduled blogging after that little tangent.  It has been surprisingly refreshing to see WWE give more than three weeks to build a PPV.  We have had about a month of build so far for Extreme Rules with two more weeks to go.  Personally, I have not been keeping up with Smackdown for a while now, other than a match here or there, so I cannot talk about WWE programming as a whole.  Although I will say that Raw has been considerably watchable this last month and I believe it has to do with not having to cram close to six weeks of build into a mere three weeks.  Now WWE just needs to start confirming matches for Extreme Rules so they have a card to promote outside of the three matches that have already been set in stone.

A Chink in Super Cena’s Armour

After being on tour in Europe the week prior, WWE returned to North America to get on with normally scheduled television tapings and live events.  Upon returning, news broke that John Cena had injured his Achilles tendon while on tour in Europe.  Fans and critics alike feared the worse for the current WWE Champion because this type of injury can be especially dangerous, just ask Edge.  It left the plans for Raw up in the air as many speculated if John Cena would be on the show and whether the injury was severe enough to vacant the WWE Title.  Good news for Cena fans and bad news for Cena haters, John was on Raw and scheduled to team with Ryback to face off with the Shield.  Ryback would back out of the handicap match due to Cena’s injury so the match was changed to Team Hell No and John Cena vs. the Shield.  The match was great as everybody played up John Cena’s injury.  From Daniel Bryan and Kane intentionally avoiding tagging Cena in to Seth Rollins taunts towards Cena, the idea that John Cena is not even close to 100 percent was performed perfectly by everybody in the match.  Also Cena did an admirable job in selling his ankle injury, which led right into the finish with Cena’s ankle giving out to set up Roman Reigns to hit the Spear and get the pin.  While it might be difficult to let another big name take some time off, this injury serves as a perfect way to have John Cena drop the title to Ryback at Extreme Rules.  Having Ryback possibly targeting the ankle during their match or even doing an angle with Ryback “breaking” John Cena’s ankle would provide excellent set-up for Cena’s eventual return match while making Ryback looking like a bigger heel.  With John Cena out to heal for a few months, WWE could have Ryback feud with Chris Jericho, Daniel Bryan or even Kane in order to give Ryback some momentum heading into an eventual rematch with Cena.  There is a crack in the seemingly impervious armour of Super Cena and WWE has an excellent opportunity to use this rare occurrence to create a new unstoppable heel and a potential main event caliber rematch.

Three Men, Three Ladders, One Title

In the right hands, a ladder can make the highest objects reachable.  In the wrong hands, it can be one of the most inventive weapons out there.  In the hands of wrestlers, a ladder is used both the right way and the wrong way, but nevertheless it is always enjoyable.  Ladder matches are an easy way of providing tension as competitors scale ladders in order to reach a title, briefcase or any other object hanging above the ring before their opposition.  How does WWE make a Triple Threat Match between the three men fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship better; they add ladders to the mix.  Alberto Del Rio, Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger have all competed in a Ladder match or two during their time in the WWE.  Due to their experience in Ladder matches, there is no doubt that these three can put on a Ladder match that could easily steal the show at Extreme Rules.  Making this Triple Threat match a Triple Threat Ladder match was a great decision on WWE Creative’s part as it has surely raised the interest in the World Heavyweight Championship match at Extreme Rules.  Now we just need a few more gimmick matches like this one that are worthy of being on Extreme Rules and we could have a great PPV on our hands.

Battle for the Briefcase: Preview of WWE Money in the Bank 2012

It has been a long while since I have been able to do a full preview of a WWE PPV.  It seemed for the longest time that every Sunday that there was a PPV, I would either be working or have some kind of family function.  I never would have the time to sit down a write an entire PPV preview.  It comes at the right time as my first PPV preview in the longest time is one of my personal favourite PPVs of the year, Money in the Bank.

This year, Money in the Bank has a lot to live up to.  Money in the Bank 2011 was easily the best PPV of 2011 and one of the most memorable shows in WWE history.  In order to solidify this PPV as a big player outside the Big Four PPVs (Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, Summerslam and Survivor Series), WWE needs to put on a good to great show this year.  While the four matches that have been announced are enough to sell any PPV, WWE needs to carefully balance the other matches they throw on the card.  Honestly nobody wants to see a Ryback squash match or a throwaway Diva’s Title match on any PPV.  If the WWE needs something that might fill some time, put on Epico & Primo vs. the Prime Time Players because they at least have a little feud going on or a return promo for Rey Mysterio and/or Randy Orton.  Just put on something that will be worth our time instead of completely wasting it like they have done at the last few PPVs.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Tensai vs. Damien Sandow vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Christian vs. Santino Marella vs. Sin Cara in the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank Ladder Match

Out of the Money in the Bank Ladder matches at this year’s Money in the Bank, this one is the most exciting.  While the WWE Championship Money in the Bank Ladder match is restricted to only former WWE Champions, the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank Ladder match is open to any superstar.  That meant we got a very diverse level of talent in this contest.  Young talent like Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes, underappreciated talents like Dolph Ziggler and Tyson Kidd, high-flyers like Sin Cara comedy acts like Santino Marella and veterans like Christian and Tensai.  This match has all the bases covered and should be an exciting showcase for these superstars’ incredible wrestling abilities.  Unless Wade Barrett gets added to the match at the last minute, it is time for Dolph Ziggler shine in the main event.  The first step is winning this Money in the Bank Ladder match.  WWE, give Ziggler a chance to hold the ball because he will run with it.

Prediction:  Dolph Ziggler wins the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank Briefcase

Sheamus (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship

It has take about three months to finally get a singles match between Alberto Del Rio and Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Championship.  Every time WWE booked the match for previous PPVs, the match would get changed at the last minute due to outside circumstances.  It is finally time to see these two heavyweights collide this Sunday with the World Heavyweight Championship in the balance.  With all the time this match has been changed previously, I personally believe Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio have out an added pressure on themselves to put on one amazing singles match.  Added Alberto Del Rio’s budding mean streak, which in my opinion he should have had since he debuted, this match should be a very competitive and equally intense title match.  So keep an eye on this match, it could easily steal the show.

Prediction:  Sheamus retains

John Cena vs. Big Show vs. Kane vs. Chris Jericho in the WWE Championship Money in the Bank Ladder Match

While I am excited to see the result for the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank Ladder match, I do not care much for the WWE Championship Money in the Bank Ladder match.  Out of all the superstars in this match, who honestly thinks that John Cena will not walk out of Phoenix with the WWE Championship Money in the Bank briefcase?  It is a sad, but true.  With that big elephant in the room, my interest for this match has completely faded.  Do not get me wrong, this should be an incredible Fatal 4 Way Ladder match, but it is not what I would ever consider a Money in the Bank Ladder match other than the briefcase hanging above the ring.  If the WWE added two more former WWE Champions to the match, say Randy Orton and/or Rey Mysterio, I would personally be more interested because there would be that slight chance Cena would not win.  With the match in its current state, Super Cena will be holding that Money in the Bank briefcase at the end of the night and I will not care.

Prediction:  John Cena wins the WWE Championship Money in the Bank Briefcase

CM Punk (c) vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship with AJ as Special Guest Referee

One year after launching himself to superstardom with one incredible match in Chicago, CM Punk is in yet another Money in the Bank main event.  This year, CM Punk defends his WWE Championship against rival Daniel Bryan.  These two wrestlers colliding in a one-one-one match for the biggest prize in the biggest wrestling promotion in the world is a dream for any self-respecting wrestling fan.  We will no doubt be in for one amazing treat come the main event at Money in the Bank as these two will do everything in their power to put on a show that no wrestling fan will ever forget.  Add in the unpredictable element in the special guest referee, the mentally unstable diva AJ and we got one interesting bout that should provide an overbooked yet climactic conclusion to this storyline.  While I would not mind Punk retaining, I would love it if AJ’s madness was just a ploy to help Daniel Bryan win the WWE Championship from CM Punk and we get the Bryan-AJ power couple that we all want and would love.

Prediction:  Daniel Bryan wins the WWE Championship

If WWE can resist from adding anything stupid to Money in the Bank, this year’s event could possibly reach the greatness of last year’s show.  Smart booking, quality matches with the right amount of time and zero to no filler are the keys to keeping Money in the Bank from entering No Way Out 2012 territory.  On paper, this card is incredible.  We will have to wait until later this evening to see if this card is just as incredible in reality as it is on paper.

The Silver Report: July 1-7

I will admit this past week was the most fun I had watching WWE in a long while.  Raw was highly entertaining and left my brother laughing at the good and incredibly cheesy moments.  Even the No Holds Barred ad was so hilariously bad that we could not help but laugh.  While I did not watch the entirety of Super Smackdown, what I watched was great.  Easily the best live Smackdown WWE has put on in ages.  A very good thing considering Money in the Bank is only a week away.  We will just have to see how WWE brings it this week for the go-home shows to both Money in the Bank and the 1000^th episode of Raw. 

In the Hands of a Crazy Chick

By now everybody should that AJ is absolutely crazy.  Ever since Daniel Bryan dumped her back in April, there has been a screw loose in this young lady.  No more was that true than this week as the focus was clearly on the special guest referee for the WWE Championship.  A good thing in my opinion because this storyline is the most entertaining out of all of WWE’s programming.  Also the WWE Championship has got shafted for whatever John Cena was doing for the past few months; it did deserve all of the limelight it got this week.   AJ went through a lot on Monday from turning down Bryan’s sad attempt at tricking her to completely freaking out on Punk for not watching her match.  An unhinged AJ did not result in anything good for CM Punk and Daniel Bryan as both men ended Monday night by going through a table.  Everybody was looking for answers from AJ come Tuesday for Super Smackdown on why she put Punk and Bryan through a table on Raw, but nothing was answered.  Instead we were left with more questions as AJ played more mind games with Punk and Bryan by making out with both wrestlers before leaving Smackdown.  As long as all these questions are answered in a satisfying way at Money in the Bank, I am completely fine with WWE pulling us along a little longer.

More for Money in the Bank

As we move closer to the Money in the Bank PPV, the more anticipation there is for the Money in the Bank Ladder matches.  While WWE did tease that there may be more superstars added to the WWE Championship Money in the Bank, nothing came of the little tease.  It is sad because that match is lacking some star power that a returning Randy Orton and/or Rey Mysterio could easily fill.  While I do hope either one or both are added this coming week.  It does feel far little too late to add them to the match, but you never know.  The qualifying matches for the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank Ladder match rolled on this past week on Super Smackdown.  Cody Rhodes and Dolph Ziggler both qualified for the World Title Money in the Bank thus bringing the number of participants to seven.  We do not know for sure if there will be more qualifying matches this week on Smackdown.  Seeing as Zack Ryder is the General Manager this week, it is easy to believe that he will add himself to the match one way or another.  So far these matches should be exciting nonetheless.

Del Rio More Dangerous Than Ever

After months of teasing a one-on-one match between Alberto Del Rio and Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Championship, it will finally happen next Sunday at Money in the Bank.  Some wrestling fans might be not care anymore, but I do believe Sheamus and Del Rio will surprise us with a great singles match.  Now that he is back in the title picture, Del Rio has a drive many have not seen in a while.  The Mexican Aristocrat is more dangerous than ever as he hungers for the World Heavyweight Championship.  First on Raw, he completely demolished Sin Cara by attacking the luchador and hooking in the Cross Arm Breaker before the bell rang.  Then on Smackdown, Del Rio took Sheamus for a ride as he slammed the hood of his car down on Sheamus quite a few times.  Del Rio’s attack on Sheamus caused the World Heavyweight Champion to withdraw from the Great American Bash Battle Royal that was held later that night.  We will have to see how this injury plays into their title match next Sunday.  The attack showed the champion that Alberto Del Rio is not a challenger that you take kindly.  He is a vicious and sneaky competitor that will try to win at all costs.  It should make for a highly entertaining title match at Money in the Bank.

Tables, Ladders and Chairs… Oh My: Quick Preview of WWE TLC 2011

After all the ups and downs, the good and the bad, we have finally come to the end of the year.  This writer hoped for a dawn of a new age in wrestling this year, but the transition is happening a little slower than expected.  At the end of the day, a lot of strides have been taken to improve WWE’s product especially the pushing of young talent such as Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes, Zack Ryder and Dolph Ziggler to name a few.  With the strides forward, WWE has taken some steps back with certain storylines and decisions that have come about in the last few months of the year.  It is time to put that all aside as we enjoy one last PPV from the WWE before we head into the New Year.

After what was said to be a fun Survivor Series event, this writer is looking forward to TLC.  Not for the fact that WWE has done little to hype this PPV, but the fact a few superstars like Wade Barrett, Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes have used their TV time to put together some interesting feuds.  The fact that Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder have used Ryder’s Youtube show, Z! True Long Island Story to build their feud over the last three months is just genius.  Personally I just want to watch this PPV to see Ryder finally claim the U.S. Championship and see everyone in Baltimore and on Twitter explode with joy.  On paper, TLC looks very good considering that WWE gives a lot of time to the matches tonight rather than on pointless promos and last minute additions.

Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett in a Tables Match

Prediction:  Wade Barrett wins

Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Zack Ryder for the U.S. Championship

Prediction:  Zack Ryder wins the U.S. Championship

Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Booker T for the Intercontinental Championship

Prediction:  Cody Rhodes retains

Triple H vs. Kevin Nash in a Sledgehammer Ladder Match

Prediction:  Triple H wins

Mark Henry (c) vs. Big Show in a Chairs Match for the World Heavyweight Championship

Prediction:  Mark Henry retains

CM Punk (c) vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio in a Triple Threat TLC Match for the WWE Championship

Prediction:  CM Punk retains

As the last PPV of the year, there is a lot riding on TLC.  Now matter if it is good or bad, TLC will definitely set the tone for the WWE as it heads into 2012.  For WWE, it would be good for them to end 2011 on a high note rather than a whimper.