The Gorilla Press: Gorilla Presslemania
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Sunday, March 28, 2010
SHOWSTOPPER: Wrestlemania 26 Predictions
ShoMiz over Truth/Morrison. The Miz is one of a select few superstars who will be getting the rocket during post-Wrestlemania lure especially with HBK’s annual summer departure expected to free up some TV time. Look for Miz to get the pin in what should be a capable makeshift tag team war.
Money in the Bank: Christian over the Field. Christian’s name being thrown in as one of Stryker’s prediction for a possible MITB match winner leads me to believe that he will not win this match. On the flip side, this could be the first time we see a MITB winner lose his ensuing title match, and if McMahon were to bestow that unenviable task on anyone it would likely be Captain Charisma. In any event, Christian seems to be one of the few participants in this match who hasn’t been completely shit on to some extent.
Ted DiBiase over Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes. DiBiase’s big push was stalled after The WWE became gunshy on the Legacy split. Now that all the heat for this dissension angle has been transferred to an inevitable Randy Orton babyface run, it is likely that either Orton will be christened as the next big babyface star or that the always promising Ted DiBiase will get his heat back on the very weekend that saw his daddy go into the Hall of Fame. I’m going with the ladder.
Edge over Jericho. Edge has done a solid job of building up the ‘SPEAR!’ to a fever pitch. Never has there been so much hype for a finishing sequence since the Seinfeld series finale. The story of this match will likely be built around the spear, which leads me to believe that after teasing, and teasing, and teasing just a little bit more, Edge will score a Spear along with a pinfall victory. Look for the Money in the Bank winner to possibly cash his briefcase in at this point with the MITB pay per view just a few months away.
CM Punk over Rey Mysterio. Despite properly building this feud over the course of a couple of week, this is one of the hottest matches on the card and is expected to steal the show. As Punk has said in prior interviews, there is a lot that these two can do in the ring and we aint seen nothin’ yet. This feud should only heat up with a CM Punk victory that will lead to some wildly entertaining segments with Punk as Rey’s obligatory savior (although black, straight-edge masks may not be considered ‘family friendly’ merchandies for religious reasons).
Bret Hart over Vince McMahon. As has been noted, yours truly will be in attendance at Wrestlemania as both a member of the press as well as a fan. After the pre-match press conference, I will be respectfully opting out of joining my peers in the press box in order to sit in the crowd with a sign. The sign I am bringing with me will read: “IF VINCE WINS, WE RIOT”.
John Cena over Batista. Batista has been an exceptional heel well before the build up for this match. The story here is Cena’s self-doubt as to whether or not he can beat Batista, and with the feud culminating at ‘Mania, all signs point to the face of the WWE finishing his night with a big fat smile that will be sure to drive the smart marks in attendance crazy.
The Undertaker over Shawn Michaels. There is no such thing as retirements in pro wrestling. In my eyes, the word retirement is a valuable marketing tool that, when used properly and for a big enough star, will draw asses in the seat. The irony in this match is the fact that The Undertaker’s streak, which is arguably the most valuable entity in all of pro wrestling, will be put on the line against a possible retirement, which holds little to no meaning in this industry no matter how sincere the stipulation is at the time. It will be interesting to see how this ‘retirement’ angle plays out over time, but I’m not ready to see HBK call it quits even if (and when) he does lose. Hopefully, neither is he.
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THE SHOOT
Earlier in the week, we got a chance to welcome back Phil Strum and Rick “Sign Guy” Achberger, who gave their thoughts on the Wrestlemania 26 card. We thank them for their contributions to this special edition of The Gorilla Press.
Our Interview with Sign Guy
TGP: Will you be attending Wrestlemania? If so, how are you going to decide who to make signs for with so many big stars on the card?
SG: Yes! In fact I’m packing right now! I plan on getting there Thursday! There are a bunch of Superstars on the card this year. Its really hard to come up with a different funny sign every time I go to a WWE event. For example, I could make 40 different signs when I see 4 WWE shows in a row on a weekend. Its tough to call Big Show fat 4 different ways! LOL! Wrestlemania makes things a little easier since there are no house shows before Mania. I basically come up with a few ideas for each heel (and sometimes faces) leading up to mania. To be honest with you, I have been getting writers block. But with the ideas I have come up with so far, I’m confident the Superstars and staff will get a chuckle out of them. If I cant think of something halfway decent for a Superstar, then I just wont do one. Believe me, the wrestlers and staff let me know if I made something lame!
TGP: What do you think about the lineup of the card?
SG: I love it! I think the build up for this card has been excellent! I cant remember me being this excited to see a Mania. It should be a great one!
TGP: What Wrestlemania moments stand out to you from year’s past and what possible moments do you think could be created for this year’s Mania?
SG: I’m really glad they brought back the money in the bank match! There are so many things going on with so many guys and so much action! Its like a wrestling buffet! With ladders involved, the excitement and danger just brings it to another level! These matches just get better and better from years past.
TGP: How many Wrestlemania events have you been to?
SG: This will be my 8th Wrestlemania. Mania is so great! Not only do you get a great show, there are so many things to do leading up to it. Its great to meet fans from all over the world that share the same passion as you!
TGP: Do you have any bold predictions for any of the main events?
SG: I really suck at predictions! My friends and I usually bet with each other right before a PPV starts. (I always lose) I’m keeping my eye on McIntyre during the money in the bank match. I got a bad feeling about him. I’m pulling for a few guys to beat him tho.
TGP: Wrestlemania won’t be featuring a celebrity on this year’s card, so if you could choose one celebrity to be involved, who would it be?
SG: Haha! You know something, I didnt notice! Hmm….I am a big music fan as well. I really like it when they have artists perform. Wether it be performing a Superstars entrance music or playing a medlay of their hits.
TGP: What is your favorite Wrestlemania event of all time?
SG: I really like Wrestlemania 22 in Chicago. That was the first time I found front row tickets. Yes, I love holding up signs, but I really like to yell at the Superstars. I like to get in their heads before the match! haha.
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Our Interview with Phil Strum
TGP: Are you making the trip to Arizona this year? What is your excitement level for this year’s event?
PS: No, I am not heading to Arizona. I’ve actually never been to a WrestleMania. I wasn’t a fan yet when the first one happened, I didn’t go the second one, but tried to watch it on closed-circuit (satellite didn’t work). I should have gone to IV or V in Jersey, but didn’t. Should have gone to X or XI, but didn’t. Tried to get tickets for XX, but failed. One of these years, I will go — no matter what city it is in. I am excited about this year’s show. They have done a really good job building it and every match feels special. I always get excited for Mania.
TGP: How do you think the WWE has done with Wrestlemania 26 in terms of build up?
PS: It’s interesting because the ratings just dropped for Raw on Monday and I don’t think it matters that much because it’s been made clear when Mania is and what is on the card. I can’t remember such a good job of build-up being done, since maybe WrestleMania XX. I might have missed some decent ones in there, but that’s the last one I can remember being this amped up for.
TGP: With a very top-heavy show, Wrestlemania will not be without midcard matches likely to ‘steal the show’. Which non-main event match do you see stealing the show?
PS: Oh boy. I have no idea. I’ll pick two. Other than Money in the Bank, I would say Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk, but can it even be called a midcard match if both guys have been world champion? Those two have done a really nice job with the build to their program and they can both get it done in the ring. Also, maybe the Unified Tag Team Titles match. Other than Big Show, all the guys in that match — Miz, Morrison and Truth — are competing in their first WrestleMania main card. They’ll give their all. But then again, everyone will. It’s WrestleMania.
TGP: With the heels turning up their characters leading into ‘Mania, who do you feel is the best heel on that card? Batista, Jericho, CM Punk, or McMahon?
PS: I think all these guys are terrific heels, but Vince McMahon might be one of the best heels in the history of pro wrestling. I do, however, think that all these guys have done a really great job.
TGP: Do you see any situation where The Undertaker loses at Wrestlemania?
PS: Probably not. If they haven’t had Undertaker lose by now, they probably won’t. It’s been good to see a program built around him maybe losing though.
TGP: Who is your pick for the Money in the Bank match and do you think it’s possible that they cash it in that night with a MITB ppv just a few months away?
PS: I’m going with Drew McIntyre. He seems to be the likeliest of the 10 and I can completely see him screwing Edge at Mania. Then again, I can see Christian doing the same thing.
TGP: What young stars on the card do you see potentially headlining Wrestlemania next year?
PS: Whomever steps up. The process should not be about giving random young guys an automatic spot on a big show. It should be the guys who deserve it. If they are not stepping up, WWE has to stay with its reliable performers.
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Tags: Shawn Michaels Retirement, The Gorilla Press Pro Wrestling Blog, TNA News, Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels, Wrestlemania 26, Wrestling News, WWE News
