Wrestling: The European Championship

Triple H, Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, Owen Hart, Davey Boy Smith, Jeff Jarrett, Diamond Dallas Page, Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam. The unwritten tier system might've seen the WWF European Championship fall third to the Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles, but the names that held the strap over it's brief five-year history are surprisingly impressive.

It was part of Shawn Michaels' dual title reign as the first WWF Grand Slam champion; the underscore in British Bulldogs' bitter and fruitless struggle for the Heavyweight title; part of Kurt Angle's rise as one of the most quickly decorated stars in wrestling; and a feather in the cap of many stars who went on to hold top title gold.

In 2002, the European belt was unified with the Intercontinental title on Rob Van Dam, and subsequently absorbed into that year's version of the World Heavyweight title as part of the WWF brand split extension. The desire for symmetry in the brands eventually saw the United States title -- absorbed during the acquisition of WCW -- fill the void created by the eventual return of the IC belt. It has been a fair and equatable system in theory, but in practise, exposed as many problems in modern WWE as it has solved.

The beauty of the WWF's title arrangement as of 1997 was simple. It offered opportunities to the entire roster, relative to their status, or style.

For those not yet ready for a rise to the top, the Intercontinental and European titles offered legitimate stepping stones at the upper and mid-card levels. The Light Heavyweight and Hardcore titles played specialist alternatives to the slightly more prestigious Euro belt, completing the picture in a way not seen since the brand extension. If this titles' absence in 2010 is a criticism, then it's also a criticism of the modern product, which I often choose to describe as polished to the point of erosion. Even so, I think very little would need to change to make the European title a successful commodity in the current era. In fact, in ideal circumstances, it would help encourage that depth of investment that existed in the Attitude Era, with favourite wrestlers from the top to the bottom of the card.

Due to it's lower grade, the European title would offer the possibility to legitimately contend a championship during international tours, which go otherwise untelevised, and are inappropriate for top belt changes. Also, with WWE farming the Florida Championship Wrestling developmental territory quite heavily since the introduction of NXT, there's an obvious potential for the establishment of a strong mid-card tradition. The European title would be right at home on a show like WWE: Superstars, which typically features this middle-section of the roster, and would allow seasoned stars to initiate some of these new inclusions with a more longterm record than some of the forgettable avenues used now.

For me, a great sticking point of the past decade has been attempts to fasttrack main event stars into extended championship runs. While it would not guarantee a more considered approach, the presence of a championship heirarchy would at least offer more stop-gaps for giving the rub to up and coming names. I might've preferred The Miz put more years into working his way up the ranks before winning the WWE title, for example. Other stars with potential might include:

Montel Vontavious Porter (#11)
What better way for an MVP to show off his status than by jetsetting to the most glamorous cities of the world? With a few cheesy promos infront of blue screen backdrops, MVP could up his stock as a European champion who claims to represent and reside in various cities across Europe. It was a concept used during D-Lo Brown's reign, and I think, could make the ballin' MVP a superstar worth noticing, giving him a place on the card that he can make his own.

Tyson Kidd (#27)
The high-flying alternate in the crumbling Hart Dynasty tag team would be right at home with the European championship, I think. He has the wrestling skills to bring credibility to the title, and with DH Smith involved in any capacity, it would be a great way to add extra motivation to an already personal feud. A chance to begin Kidd's career as a singles wrestler without the stigma of a [still defunct] Cruiserweight title reign, or a premature push.

David Hart Smith (#24)
DH Smith stands in a pretty mighty shadow, but as a European champion, I think he would be making the best of a family legacy. At the present, it's difficult to see how far Smith's future goes with WWE. If there's a long run in him, then this could be a pretty charming beginning to a quest to do what his father wasn't able to -- become the holder of all the major championships.

Vladimir Kozlov (#42)
In 2008, Kozlov came in strong, marching his way to a short but noteworthy undefeated streak that included a victory over The Undertaker on Smackdown. After a disappointing showing in a WWE Championship match at Survivor Series, he was quickly downgraded, tumbling down the roster to ECW henchman, landing on RAW as comedy relief opposite Santino Marella. I enjoyed the indomitable Russian gimmick, but would agree he was far from ready for top gold. The Euro title would have been an opportune way to follow through on his monster heel status, without embarassing the concept or gold.

William Regal (#93)
The four-time European champion probably deserves better, but it seems increasingly unlikely that William Regal will ever match tenure for success. In the event that he never receives a JBL-style push to the top, the former King of the Ring might as well exhibit his dominance over a division he's represented so well in the past. A small, but fitting reward for his years of service.

Drew McIntyre (#5)
His Intercontinental Championship reign came with a lonesome DDT and an unconvincing elevation. It doesn't take a genius to slap the European title on wrestlers from outside the US, but I think that's more a testament to the credibility of the concept, than a criticism. Drew McIntyre could've established himself much more appropriately at this level.

Cody Rhodes (#7)
Despite the pedigree of some of it's holders, the European title came to be associated with the underside of it's mid-card trappings. A certain style emerged as a result of that, and I feel Cody Rhodes might be at home there. The belt would certainly help break up his bizarre skinny-ankled grey boots that look like socks with underpants, and add some gold to his dashing demeanour, without compromising other belts.

Ted Dibiase Jr (#50)
Once the more promising of the Orton-following Priceless tandem; Dibiase has struggled to find character or success in the RAW ranks. Recent battles with Bryan Danielson for the US title exposed how underdone his persona has become. Had the European title been active, Dibiase's post-Orton career might've been salvaged sooner by a more appropriate championship goal.

Mark Henry (#58)
No matter how hard they sell his big-man status, I can't ever see myself accepting Mark Henry as a contender for the WWE or World Heavyweight championships. Somehow not quite in line with the image of an IC champion, I would be more than willing to accept a Mark Henry who dominates his opponents as a two-time European champion.

Santino Marella (#46)
Soiled beyond repair by his extensive feature as a comedic foil, the Italian Marella could at least find a starting point to earn back some credibility by way of his European heritage.

Tyler Reks (#94)
Emerging as one of the FCW recruits, Reks might not be ready for a championship reign just yet, but the presence of a European title would at least provide an avenue for him to get the rub from some of the other names mentioned on this list, with the potential to earn an eventual reign and benefit from that accordingly. He wouldn't be my first choice, but he'd certainly be welcome in the division. Appearances on Superstars highlight this.

Percy Watson (#125)
It should be plain to everyone that Percy Watson is ready. Percy Watson is already happening. Percy Watson is bringing the party to your house, be it via FCW, or NXT. Percy Watson is already a legitimate fact, and the European championship would just be a stepping stone to bigger and better things. Ibiza pales in comparison. Percy Watson is the official party capital of the world. Oh yeah!!

Finlay (#137)
If he ever absolutely has to occupy a championship contender slot again, then it might as well be the Euro belt.

Charlie Haas (#167)
Haas recently reunited with his Worlds Greatest Tag Team partner, Shelton Benjamin, in Ring of Honor, but if it wasn't too late for Haas, the European title would've given him a chance to flex his in-ring skills, putting a catch as catch can face on a belt, without the burden of his lack of personality getting in the way.

Rankings provided come from the Weekly Kayfabe Countdown.

MKO: Mortal Kombat at the Brazil Game Show!

November 20th saw the launch of the third annual two-day Brazil Game Show; an expo designed to bring developers from around the world to the South American city of Rio de Janeiro.

In preparation for the release of their latest installment in the long running Mortal Kombat series, producer Hector Sanchez of the NetherRealm Studios team was there to offer a playable demo of the game and interact with fans from the region. The presence of the fighting franchise; which was acquired by Warner Brothers in 2009 from Midway Games; helped spur the event onto a massive new attendance record of an estimated thirty-thousand people on the floor.

Mortal Kombat is expected to be released in the early part of 2011 for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. The game boasts classic returning characters featured in the BGS demo, such as; Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Kitana, Johnny Cage, and others. No new characters were featured at the show, with recent announcements, Jax and Sonya, absent from this build.

NetherRealm Studios has released pictures from their trip to Brazil Game Show!
Find them attached above, or in the gallery of the official Facebook for the game.

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1301

American History K: Wrestlemania VII

He is one of the most feared entities in professional wrestling, whose impact included winning the WWF Heavyweight Championship away from Hulk Hogan just one year after his debut, during the height of Hulkamania in 1991. Since, The Undertaker has forged a legacy of two decades of destruction, winning various major championships, and setting record firsts as a character unmatch in theatricality and spectacle. His history in Casket matches, Hell in a Cell cages, Inferno matches, and the Buried Alive stipulation that recently ended his current tenure as a World title contender, is legendary, but no accolade is greater than the unprecedented success he has enjoyed once every year.

The Undertaker debuted at Wrestlemania in the year of his first championship, facing "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka in the mid-card of May's Wrestlemania VII. Victory was assured for the gloomy heel, who dispatched the Superfly in under five minutes. It was a significant victory even for it's time, but nobody could've imagined that it would be but the first in a sequence of a staggering eighteen unanswered victories at Wrestlemania!

What if things hadn't been so easy for the Deadman, though? What if events unfolded in a very different way, and The Undertaker's incredible pageantry was rivalled by a force so awesome, no destiny could steer him towards victory?...

In 1991, he was twenty-two, and in five years he would be writing his own name in the history books by winning an Olympic Gold Medal for America in grecco-roman wrestling. He is Kurt Angle, one of the most decorated superstars in the history of professional wrestling, whose accomplishments came faster and thicker than anything The Undertaker could handle.

At Wrestlemania VII, The Undertaker certainly would've cut an imposing figure opposite the relatively diminutive grecco-roman grappler, but with youth in his corner and an intensity that cannot be matched, Kurt Angle's American History K would have changed the expectations of wrestling overnight. I mean, The Undertaker was already a hundred freaking years old in 1991, any way, wearing that stupid hat. He won matches because he avoided taking moves. If Vince McMahon told Koko B Ware he could act like nothing could hurt him, then he would've been undefeated at Wrestlemania too. But he didn't. He told him he was an idiot with a bird.

Sure, Undertaker had size and power on his size, and maybe even the support of the crowd. In 1991 things were simpler. It's true, it's true. But once the audience witnessed a seven foot man being overhead german suplexed with a release, then the tide would've turned. The stupor of a man as excellent in the field of catch as catch can delivering a perfect moonsault would've been broken as the crowd listened to a grown man's cries be silence by the snapping of an ankle.

WCW, in it's infancy after beginning in 1988, would've collapsed instantly. Kurt Angle would've been elevated to unquestioned main event status, facing Hulk Hogan as a babyface against the heel faker. Kurt Angle would have arisen to the absolute heights of professional wrestling glory in 1991, yet still competed for and won the Olympic Gold Medal in 1996. It is only during this period that the WWF recovers, having collapsed under the weight of a lack of competition for Kurt Angle's phenomenal style of wrestling. This is American History K, and you thank me for this education experience.

Epilogue: Crippled and embarassed beyond repair, The Undertaker was forced into an early retirement by this version of Wrestlemania history. Summoning the dark arts, he travelled backward through time, preventing Kurt Angle's premature rise through the ranks of the World Wrestling Federation by occult means. Undeterred, Kurt Angle went on to become the NCAA Division I competition runner-up, after interference from Paul Bearer prevented him claiming ultimate victory. With Angle out of the picture, Undertaker went on to win the hardcore championship as a cyclist, and punched Scotty 2 Hotty at the Royal Rumble.

MKO: IGN Names Top Ten Fatalities!

In 2011, Mortal Kombat will return in all it's gory glory, bringing with it the deadly finishing moves that were controversially scaled back for their 2008 crossover, Versus DC Universe.

In preparation for the elaborate bloodletting and general dismemberment, IGN has picked up the gauntlet to list their Unofficial Top Ten Best Fatalities! Featured in the list are favourites like Scorpion's Toasty Flame Breath, along with some more obscure fare you might not expect.



You can find the full article on IGN.com, or watch the video embedded above, for the office rundown with moving pictures. Mortal Kombat is currently in production under NetherRealm Studios, with a pending release date expected for the first half of 2011.

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1300

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 11/28

#1 The Big Show [--] (39-15-2)
(WWE: Smackdown)
It was a "shock" upset victory for Alberto del Rio in King of the Ring qualifiers on Smackdown that handed Big Show a rare count out defeat this week. These situations rarely favour big men and with Del Rio's star on the rise, the win was all but secured. More shocking was perhaps the elimination of his rival, Rey Mysterio, who would've made for a solid tournament rematch in the same vein as what we saw on RAW, with a Survivor Series rematch between Ted Dibiase and Bryan Danielson, and a side-winding battle between Sheamus and John Morrison's pal, R-Truth.

With only a month to go, it seems a statistical certainty that either Big Show or Kofi Kingston will end 2010 as the most successful wrestler in the Kayfabe Countdown. Eight wins clear of nearest rivals, Rey Mysterio (#3) and Randy Orton (#4), the chances of this two horse race being overtaken are close to none, with approximately only six-or-so dates for wrestlers from Smackdown, and one less for RAW.

#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (38-22-2) (WWE)
#3 [--] Rey Mysterio (30-13-4) (WWE)
#4 [--] Randy Orton (30-18-6) (WWE)
#5 [+1] Drew McIntyre (28-30-3) (WWE)
#6 [-1] AJ Styles (27-11-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]
#7 [--] Cody Rhodes (27-18-2) (WWE)
#8 [RE] The Miz (26-29-4) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#9 [-1] R-Truth (25-22-4) (WWE)
#10 [-1] Dolph Ziggler (25-25-3) (WWE) [Intercontinental Champion]

#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-18-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (15-15-3) (TNA)
#3 [--] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (12-9-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#4 [--] Layla & Michelle McCool (12-14-0) (WWE)
#5 [+2] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (9-3-0) (WWE)
#6 [-1] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (9-5-0) (WWE)
#7 [-1] Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater (8-1-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#8 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (8-4-0) (WWE)
#9 [--] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#10 [--] Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal (7-6-0) (TNA)

Superstar Spotlight:
#83 Jeff Jarrett (8-10-1) (TNA)



TAP THAT MAT! 'nuff said.

Special Note: On the November 22 episode of RAW, The Miz (#8) used his Money in the Bank contract to defeat Randy Orton (#4) for the WWE Championship. Orton had defended the title against Wade Barrett (#17) immediately prior, in a rematch of the Survivor Series main event.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 11/21

#1 The Big Show [--] (39-14-2)
(WWE: Smackdown)
It's been a mixed bag for The Big Show in 2010.
He entered the year as one of the vital forces reinvigorating WWE's Tag Team titles, and has finished the year as one of the headlining faces promoting Smackdown since it's move to SyFy, including a captaining role in many team matches. His workload has seen him have up to three matches a week between RAW, Smackdown, and Pay-Per-Views -- significant for a man of his size and condition. Yet, despite this sustained significance, accolades have been few.

His Team Smackdown affiliations have kept him in close contact with Kayfabe Countdown rival, Kofi Kingston, and a return to the tag team division is always a possibility. There's also the fact that Big Show recently enjoyed a win over the World Heavyweight Champion, who very narrowly escaped defeat at Survivor Series when Edge was controversially counted for having his shoulders down after a spear-born pin cover. Edge might remain in the mix, but I do wonder if the year won't end with Big Show finally re-entering competition for the top championship, even if he doesn't best "the devil's favourite demon", Kane, in the end.

#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (37-22-2) (WWE)
#3 [--] Rey Mysterio (30-12-4) (WWE)
#4 [--] Randy Orton (29-17-6) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#5 [--] AJ Styles (27-11-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]
#6 [--] Drew McIntyre (27-30-3) (WWE)
#7 [--] Cody Rhodes (26-18-2) (WWE)
#8 [--] R-Truth (25-21-4) (WWE)
#9 [RE] Dolph Ziggler (25-25-3) (WWE) [Intercontinental Champion]
#10 [new] Montel Vontavious Porter (25-27-1) (WWE)

#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-18-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (15-15-2) (TNA)
#3 [--] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (12-9-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#4 [--] Layla & Michelle McCool (12-14-0) (WWE)
#5 [--] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (9-5-0) (WWE)
#6 [+4] Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater (8-1-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#7 [--] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (8-3-0) (WWE)
#8 [-2] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (8-4-0) (WWE)
#9 [-1] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#10 [-1] Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal (7-6-0) (TNA)

Superstar Spotlight:
#NR Billy Gunn (0-0-0) (Independent)
Between the recent "old school" RAW, WWE's overdue resurrection of the King of the Ring tournament, and it's flagging Tag Team competition, it's hard not to think back to better days like those of the late nineties. During the boom period of their Attitude Era, WWF created a roster that, peaking in 1999, had successful and popular characters from the top of the roster, to the bottom. One of their major properties was that of the New Age Outlaws; members of Degeneration X both; Road Dogg Jesse James, and Bad Ass Billy Gunn ("Mr. Ass" in formal situations, of course).

It was as one-half of the tandem that Billy Gunn really made waves, but by 1999, each had enjoyed successful stints as singles competitors, with Intercontinental and Hardcore championship reigns to each of their respective names. 1999 also reflected the hopes to groom Billy Gunn for bigger things, with these plans signified by his victory in the 1999 King of the Ring tournament. When the dissolving of DX came and went, Billy Gunn's chance to shine soon followed, but it wasn't to be. Despite capturing another of the covetted grooming tools of major stars, the Intercontinental Championship, Billy Gunn's star failed to rise, and after meandering through various return spots, he was let go from WWE. Gunn has enjoyed mixed success since, spending significant years in TNA without garnering greater gold.

I wouldn't characterize Billy Gunn as one of the great talents of wrestling history, but it strikes me as a shame that he never reached the heights that seemed laid out for him. In interviews after leaving the company, Gunn was critical of Triple H's involvement in his release, a fact made all the more bitter by the way their relationship produced Gunn's highs as a member of DX. Gunn remains a fixture of the independent scene where he has once again reformed the Outlaws team with Road Dogg. Here's hoping they can recapture some of the success they once had.

Special Note: Countdown includes results from the WWE: Survivor Series PPV.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: Survivor Series (2010) Predictions

It's been one of the classic WWF/WWE "big five" Pay-Per-Views for more than twenty years, but at the beginning of 2010, WWE announced it no longer had use for the antiquated event, aiming to replace it with another of it's many concept shows. Fortunately, Survivor Series did not go the way of the King of the Ring PPV, becoming reinstated as plans for the Nexus faction began to take hold in RAW's programming -- a blessing, to be sure!

No Holds Barred WWE Championship match with special guest referee, John Cena
Wade Barrett vs Randy Orton (c)
If you've been living under a wrestling rock, then you wouldn't know that this match comes with an added special stipulation: If Wade Barrett wins the title, John Cena will be released from the contract that binds him to Barrett's service. If Orton retains, then John Cena will be fired, as is apparently allowed by Barrett's powers over him. A situation that all but forces Cena to aid his begrudging master, or so it would seem.

For us fans, the rock and hard place comes in the form of the unlikelihood of John Cena's absence from WWE programming, versus Wade Barrett's relative unreadiness to hold as covetted a top spot as the WWE Champion. A predicament, to be sure, but not one that's at all foreign. In 1998, for example, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was given many challenges that threatened unemployment, such as Judgment Day, where he refused to count three for either Undertaker, or Kane. Steve Austin, a bigger star in stature and monetary gains, always found a way back to teevee and to the WWE roster. If pushed, I'm sure John Cena would have similar fictional methods available to him, as well. Will they go the long way around, though? I'm not sure it's in keeping with the WWE style any more, certainly not if they want to get away with this angle.

Barrett is quite green, still. His power as a talker has carried him since winning NXT and forming The Nexus, but I'd be reluctant to say that makes him a worthy WWE Champion. Of course, being worthy has very little to do with championships in WWE, these days. Neither does the logical outcome though, either. What about Money in the Bank holder The Miz? He has until the end of the year to cash his championship shot in -- will he play a factor?

I honestly don't know what to expect of this match, and that has elevated it above it's otherwise mediocre status. These usual suspects of the RAW main event rarely entice, but the possibility that WWE will make a hard decision is enticing. John Cena as a heel aiding Wade Barrett's victory with glee might be the best possible outcome, but that's too easy, and I don't think it'll happen. Exactly what will happen, I do not know!
Prediction: Randy Orton

Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match
Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, Chris Masters, Big Show & Montel Vontavious Porter vs Alberto del Rio, Tyler Reks, Drew McIntyre, Jack Swagger & Cody Rhodes
Personally, I don't feel Survivor Series need revolve around these classic ten-man elimination tag matches. My favourite Survivor Series shows might actually be 1998, where the WWF title was contended in a King of the Ring style elimination tournament, and 2002, where the feature of the night was the first even Elimination Chamber -- a survior's match if there ever was one.

The construction of the match has been somewhat clumsy, but it at least provides an eclectic mix of Smackdown's wrestling stars. Alberto del Rio continues to rise through the ranks, with many assuming he'll be groomed for a spot as a face. He certainly has a team backing him that should put up a worthy challenge against the heroes of the match-up. I think he might get the rub.
Prediction: Team del Rio

World Heavyweight Championship match
Edge vs Kane (c)
The last thing I want to see before the decade is through is Edge with another championship reign. Kane's first on-going reign in the top spot hasn't been anything to write home about, but it's serving a purpose. With any luck, this will be a decent match, but I don't need to see Edge get the better of it for a satisfying end. Perhaps a DQ finish, or some other non-title situation.
Prediction: Edge

Sheamus vs John Morrison
Morrison's role as rescuer made for a confusing build-up to this match, but at the end of the day, it's got the making of a great mid-card bout. These two have very different styles, and while there's potential for disaster, I think Morrison will be up to the challenge of working a good match. Sheamus was on the receiving end of a shock upset to Santino Marella (the man who Morrison saved). I would expect his winning ways to be restored here.
Prediction: Sheamus

Tag Team Championship match
Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater (c)
Why oh why, Heath Slater? Why?
There's a popular theory going around that Vince McMahon wants to destroy tag team wrestling. It's a symbol of the fictional premise of the pseudo-sport, and all he's interested in selling is "entertainment." This match might actually help make the argument. The best legit team, The Hart Dynasty, has been jobbed silly over the past few months, taking a pointless barrage of losses to patchwork pairing, Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre, who've now dissolved themselves. Kozlov and Marella are barely comedy relief, but also one of the most successful duos of the year. Honestly, I wouldn't be too fussed if they picked up a shock win. I used to have a bit of a soft spot for Kozlov, and wouldn't mind seeing him finally get a credit to his name. I'd think there's more to come from the Nexus, however, and they will benefit from backing up their claim to the gold (or bronze, "big ass pennies" as Jeff Hardy put it).
Prediction: Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater

Intercontinental Championship match
Kaval vs Dolph Ziggler (c)
Despite being a two-time X-Division champion (as Low-Ki), Kaval just can't buy a win in WWE, it seems. That's a path Bryan Danielson knows all too well, which, for both men, included statistically unimpressive runs through NXT, before joining the big shows with more losses to come. Danielson ("Daniel Bryan") finally got the rub when he won the United States title from rival, The Miz, and has been winning some of the better matches of each show, ever since. I don't know that the same fairytale ending is in Kaval's future, but hopefully this is the start of something. Ziggler has given the IC belt some sense of stability, but it's an otherwise forgettable run. In 2011, it'd be great to see prestige come back to the WWE titles. Good matches like this might be a start.
Prediction: Dolph Ziggler

United States Championship match
Ted Dibiase vs Daniel Bryan (c)
Ted Dibiase has been suffering from a severe lack of personality, something his former Priceless teammate, Cody Rhodes, has done well to avoid. I still prefer Dibiase of the two, but absolutely could not stomach a US championship reign at this point in time. Maryse adds some interest to his appearances, but no amount of bad singing and babes will be enough to make Dibiase a worthy contender to this title. The best we can hope for is a decent match. Bryan Danielson needs a better class of challenger to etch his name in history with, but at least he isn't on the losing end of this questionable encounter [I hope].
Prediction: Daniel Bryan

Handicap Divas Championship match
Natalya Neidhart vs Layla & Michelle McCool (c)
I don't know what the point of this match is, or the Divas title, for that matter.
With TNA dropping the ball on their women's tag titles, they might as well make the Divas belt a tandem title (as discussed many times throughout 2010). Pointless either way.
Prediction: Michelle McCool & Layla

The Kayfabe Countdown: WWE Top Ten
Cumulative tally based on the win/loss records of televised matches.

#1 The Big Show [--]
#2 Kofi Kingston [--]
#3 Rey Mysterio [--]
#4 Randy Orton (WWE Champion) [--]
#5 Drew McIntyre [--]
#6 Cody Rhodes [--]
#7 R-Truth [--]
#8 The Miz (Money in the Bank) [--]
#9 Kane (World Heavyweight Champion) [--]
#10 John Cena [RE]

#1 Tyson Kidd & DH Smith [--]
#2 Layla & Michelle McCool [--]
#3 Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes [--]
#4 Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov [--]
#5 Brie Bella & Nikki Bella [--]

MKO: IgroMania Magazine Cover Reveals Sonya!

Premiere Russian gaming magazine, IgroMania, has revealed an alternate cover for their latest issue, and in doing so, confirmed another favourite for Mortal Kombat in 2011!



MK's first lady of fighting, Sonya Blade, appears in fully rendered glory alongside series mascot, Scorpion, in a mock character select screen that references the first two games, and characters from other articles as well. This is the first time Sonya has appeared officially, sporting a decidedly different look from her traditional outfits. The render(s) replace cover artwork designed around NetherRealm Studios' Mortal Kombat dragon symbol and title text [pictured below].

The image confirms months of speculation regarding Sonya's impending status; leaked by IgroMania's Editor-in-Chief via their website message board. The issue, No. 12 (159), officially goes on sale November 23, with a five-page feature on the new game.

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1295

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 11/14

#1 The Big Show [--] (36-14-2)
(WWE: Smackdown)
It was on Smackdown that Big Show picked up a tidy victory over current World Heavyweight Champion, Kane! He extends his lead to a clean win over nearest Countdown rival, Kofi Kingston, giving me the task of desperately trying to think of something interesting to write about a guy who has been in the top spot since I started doing these weekly updates, back in September.

If you operate on the assumption of wrestlers not appearing on multiple shows, then there are approximately nine more ranking opportunities left in 2010, which makes Big Show's run to the end all but assured. The question that remains -- will a World Championship shot be the feather in his 2010 cap? A win over the current champ isn't a bad argument!

#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (34-21-2) (WWE)
#3 [--] Rey Mysterio (28-12-3) (WWE)
#4 [--] Randy Orton (28-17-5) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#5 [--] AJ Styles (27-11-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]
#6 [--] Drew McIntyre (27-27-3) (WWE)
#7 [--] Cody Rhodes (25-16-2) (WWE)
#8 [--] R-Truth (25-20-4) (WWE)
#9 [--] The Miz (25-29-4) (WWE) [Money in the Bank]
#10 [--] Kane (24-15-4) [World Heavyweight Champion]

#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-17-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (15-15-2) (TNA)
#3 [--] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (12-8-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#4 [--] Layla & Michelle McCool (11-12-0) (WWE)
#5 [--] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (9-4-0) (WWE)
#6 [+2] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (8-4-0) (WWE)
#7 [-1] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (7-2-0) (WWE)
#8 [-1] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#9 [--] Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal (7-6-0) (TNA)
#10 [new] Justin Gabriel & Heath Slater (6-1-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]

Superstar Spotlight:
#64 Samoa Joe (10-10-2) (TNA)
He's a former TNA Heavyweight Champion, a four-time TNA X-Division Champion, a former ROH World Champion, and former ROH Pure Champion. The question of Samoa Joe's status and legacy is a forgone conclusion -- he finished 2006 and 2008 at #4 in the PWI 500, and is arguably one of the greatest wrestlers to come out of the post WCW buyout and monopoly of WWE over professional wrestling's upper ranks.
Of late, Joe has been in a very different position to the highs of those previous years, however. The influence of the Hogan/Bischoff regime has not been kind to a wrestler like Samoa Joe, who certainly has been recognised as a legitimate contender through TNA's short-lived rankings system, but has failed to reflect that in his position on the card and permeation through the company.

Joe is currently fighting the good fight against Jeff Jarrett (#90) and members of Immortal -- a team that boasts significant talent, but questionable relevance to the betterment of Samoa Joe. It is a situation that encapsulates some of the downsides of TNA's invitation to Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, and the retro influences they inspire. The shift has gradually veered increasingly toward the "Entertainment" monopolized by WWE, leaving behind the "Sport" that TNA had done a good job to represent during Samoa Joe's reign as top champion. I hope TNA can find a way to get back in touch with that tone, and elevate Samoa Joe with it. Despite loitering in the mid-card, the potential for Joe to rise at the end of the year seems evident, given that Immortal's most active talent is current Heavyweight Champion, Jeff Hardy (#26), with whom I'm sure Samoa Joe would have some great main event bouts! He's a fine wrestler, unique in so many ways, and worthy of acknowledgment as our spotlight superstar.

Special Note: I wanted to acknowledge the fact that, as we reach the end of the year, the rankings are much more stable than they were before I began these weekly updates. That's a natural symptom of things levelling out. I am undecided if I will continue the Countdown into 2011. It would be nice to share those more active observations, though.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 11/7

#1 The Big Show [--] (35-14-2)
(WWE: Smackdown)
Big Show reclaims the clear lead after doing double-time during the week, with a special appearance on RAW as Pee Wee Herman's giant-sized "cousin" and protector from Show's former tag team partner, The Miz. On Smackdown, Big Show reteamed with Kofi Kingston, his nearest Kayfabe Countdown win/loss rival, once again, picking up yet another team victory since the two combined as part of Team Smackdown at Bragging Rights.

Big Show's win/loss dominance reminded me of a quote from Vince McMahon which, more or less, criticized WCW's handling of the then literally named Giant, with the conviction that he would do better. That hasn't necessarily been true over the years, but in 2010, the numbers cannot be argued with! Big Show is a dominant giant!

#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (34-20-2) (WWE)
#3 [--] Rey Mysterio (28-12-3) (WWE)
#4 [--] Randy Orton (28-16-5) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#5 [+3] AJ Styles (26-11-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]
#6 [-1] Drew McIntyre (26-27-3) (WWE)
#7 [-1] Cody Rhodes (25-16-2) (WWE)
#8 [+1] R-Truth (25-19-4) (WWE)
#9 [-2] The Miz (25-28-4) (WWE) [Money in the Bank]
#10 [--] Kane (24-14-4) (WWE) [World Heavyweight Champion]

#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-16-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (15-14-2) (TNA)
#3 [--] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (12-8-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#4 [--] Layla & Michelle McCool (11-12-0) (WWE)
#5 [--] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (9-4-0) (WWE)
#6 [--] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (7-2-0) (WWE)
#7 [--] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#8 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (7-4-0) (WWE)
#9 [new] Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal (7-6-0) (TNA)
#10 [-1] Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne (6-1-0) (TNA)

Superstar Spotlight:
#NR Brock Lesnar
(0-0-0) (UFC)
Millions of viewers flooded to YouTube to watch it, and the entire wrestling and mix martial arts community spent the next week talking about it. No, it wasn't Brock Lesnar's shock loss of the UFC World Heavyweight Championship [to Cain Velasquez]! Rather, the implied challenge issued to him by former WWE rival, The Undertaker, who was present at ringside for the fight, and broke from an interview to ask a just defeated Lesnar, "You wanna do it?..."

Theories have been many, most connecting Brock Lesnar to a possible WWE return at Wrestlemania, reprising his role as challenger to Undertaker's legend, this time at the Deadman's undefeated home of 'Mania. Wrestling Observer has offered other arrangements of events, however, which conspired to inadvertently create a buzz out of aborted plans for a contrived challenge. It was allegedly to be at the post-fight press conference that The Undertaker emerged to converse with Brock Lesnar, but the Observer reported that it was cancelled when Lesnar felt his presence would take away from Cain Velasquez' victory celebration. He probably wasn't in the best of moods after losing his Heavyweight Championship, either, one should imagine.

Plans for Lesnar to add some celebrity buzz to WWE's biggest event of the year seem to be unlikely, at least in the capacity of a wrestler. Zuffa's Dana White was quick to nix the concept, reaffirming the totality of Lesnar's exclusive contract to Ultimate Fighting Championship. Then again, maybe White's in on it! Who knows? The only thing certain is that a Lesnar/Undertaker rematch would be a huge draw for WWE, and an exciting way to challenge the Undertaker's secure undefeated streak at the annual showcase.

Special Note: Results include the TNA: Turning Point Pay-Per-View, where Robbie E (#116) defeated Jay Lethal (#63) to win the X-Division Championship.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: Turning Point Predictions

Jeff Hardy defends his ill gotten World Heavyweight Championship when he meets unlikely substitute contender, Matt Morgan, in the main event. Plus -- members of Fortune, EV2.0 and Immortal duke it out for supremacy in the undercard.

World Heavyweight Championship match
Matt Morgan vs Jeff Hardy (c)
Given that earlier in the year he made a habit of cracking skulls between his foot and the turnbuckle post, it's somewhat surprising that Matt Morgan would emerge as a spokesman for head injury safety. Then again, maybe a man with intimate knowledge about dishing out such injuries is the perfect person to stand up for Ken Anderson, who apparently sustained an unintentional legit head wound and concussion after a Jeff Hardy chair shot.

As shocking as it is for Jeff Hardy to be pushed into a heel spot at the top of TNA, it's turning out reasonably well. Given Hardy's ability to be a draw as a face, I don't know if the show will represent a Turning Point for Hardy's cash value as a heel, but his heartless promos have been something to enjoy. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the Charismatic Enigma unleash a Twist of Hate in this match, which will presumably go his way. Matt Morgan has always struck me as a decent enough satellite contender, but his abrupt insertion into the match, intriguing as it's been, is no reason to put the belt on him. Hardy retains, but I wouldn't be surprised if the straight rules of the match produce a convoluted result, with cameo appearances by members of Morgan's former Fortune partners, or perhaps Mr. Anderson himself.
Prediction: Jeff Hardy

Pink Slip Tag Team match
EV2.0 vs Fortune
As far as I can tell, the specific line-up for teams in this match hasn't been clarified. AJ Styles, Frankie Kazarian, Beer Money (Robert Roode & James Storm), and Douglas Williams are the available options, with various ECW originals free to compete in a team bout. I would probably think the Fortune members are too important to discard in any fashion per the stipulation that the winning team can fire a member of the losing team, so it's safe to assume they will walk away with the victory. (Although; when does Ric Flair's contract end...?) Which means Raven(!), Sabu, Stevie Richards, Rhino, or Brian Kendrick is headed for the chopping block.
Prediction: Fortune

Tag Team Championship match
Team 3D vs Motor City Machine Guns (c)
I have mixed feelings about the way Team 3D inserted themselves into a tag title shot at the Bound for Glory PPV. Claims of an impending retirement is a little tough to believe, particularly with reports flagging their contract renewal. One almost has the sense they might spring a heel admission into one of the various factions floating around, and put one over on Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin. You couldn't argue that Brother Ray and Brother Devon aren't assured a place in tag team wrestling history, but for the good of the present and future, I'd like to assume the belts stay with the Machine Guns, with a big rub coming their way. I'd like to, but I'm not sure I should...
Prediction: Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (MCMG)

Lumberjack match
"The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero vs Abyss
I don't really know what to make of this match. This seems like the dregs of the faction-oriented storytelling going on in TNA right now, which really makes me long for unrelated singles competition, the kind of sports-referencing entertainment that was going on last year when the ring still had six sides. I haven't clarified the role of the lumberjacks. It'd be nice if some of the Xplosion relegated wrestlers, like Brutus Magnus, were getting some face time in the mix. It would probably make more sense for members of Fortune, Immortal, or some other nonsense to fill the void, but whatever. How many times can one man get screwed? Good luck, Pope.
Prediction: Abyss

Tommy Dreamer vs Rob Van Dam
A statistical note -- RVD held only one loss to his name prior to his return after losing the TNA World Heavyweight Championship (which was stripped without another loss added to his record). He's had to do the job lately. Even so, I wouldn't expect Tommy Dreamer to get the better of him. In-fighting within the ECW ranks is probably more variety than we could rightly expect of the current faction focus. I'm not real thrilled about wrestlers like Kurt Angle going absent, however, while Tommy Dreamer occupies a spot on the card. It's wearing a bit thin. Roll on RVD's title rematch against Jeff Hardy -- a combo with more chemistry than the main event.
Prediction: Rob Van Dam

Samoa Joe vs Jeff Jarrett
Speaking of wrestlers in the wrong position; I'm not especially convinced by Jarrett's rising significance. Samoa Joe has been nigh irrelevant for most of the year, and I'd very much like to see him scale the ranks again as a competitive singles wrestler with an eye for the top prize. He has been perhaps the biggest victim of the increasing dismissal of the sport of wrestling. Here's hoping he picks up a much needed win against a tired opponent.
Prediction: Samoa Joe

Mickie James vs Tara
I've never been a big fan of Mickie James, and I'm not likely to start any time soon. That damned "hardcore country" song has been haunting my dreams at night! It would make sense to keep her hot with a win here, leading to a title match with reigning Knockouts Champion, Madison Rayne. Unfortunately, the conventional wisdom that once made TNA's womens division a feature of the company has since gone by the wayside.
Prediction: Mickie James

X-Division Championship match
Robbie E vs Jay Lethal (c)
So convincing is his Jersey Shore-inspired gimmick, and so foreign is he to me, that I didn't realise Robbie E was actually a wrestler. His challenging for the X-Division title feels like a good idea taken in the wrong direction. It's a contemporary gimmick, but it's not fitting of what should be a prized title, I believe. I hope Jay Lethal cleans the clown's clock and gets back to fighting the likes of Amazing Red -- on Pay-Per-View and US TV, instead of house shows and Xplosion.
Prediction: Jay Lethal

The Kayfabe Countdown: TNA Top Ten
Cumulative tally based on the win/loss records of televised matches.

#1 AJ Styles [--] (Television Champion)
#2 Rob Van Dam [--]
#3 Kurt Angle [--]
#4 Jeff Hardy [--] (World Heavyweight Champion)
#5 Robert Roode [+1]
#6 James Storm [+3]
#7 D'Angelo Dinero [+3]
#8 Abyss [-3]
#9 Ken Anderson [-2]
#10 Velvet Sky [-2]

#1 Robert Roode & James Storm [--]
#2 Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin [--] (Tag Team Champions)
#3 Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal [+2]
#4 Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne [-1]
#5 Hernandez & Matt Morgan [-1]

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 10/31

#1 The Big Show [--] (33-14-2)
(WWE: Smackdown)
The only superstars with a televised thirty-plus 2010 victories; Big Show and Kofi Kingston continued their winning ways this week, picking up a tag team victory on Smackdown! The Kayfabe Countdown allies reprised their role of Bragging Rights Pay-Per-View partners to defeat recently dethroned tag team champions, Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes! It was a far more successful collaboration than Big Show's latest film, in which he plays a dim-witted orphan whose gentle giant status is capitalized upon when he burns down the orphanage, and is forced to earn money in mixed martial arts bouts. Knucklehead might be unworthy of note as the latest flop in the WWE production line, but after earning an alleged $75US during it's miniscule opening week, it could be on the fast track to cinematic infamy! WWE have traditionally relied on DVD sales to make back their film productions, but one wonders if even home movie success can save this one from the harsh light of history!

#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (33-20-2) (WWE)
#3 [--] Rey Mysterio (28-12-3) (WWE)
#4 [--] Randy Orton (27-16-5) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#5 [--] Drew McIntyre (26-26-3) (WWE)
#6 [--] Cody Rhodes (25-15-2) (WWE)
#7 [+1] The Miz (25-27-4) (WWE) [Money in the Bank]
#8 [+1] AJ Styles (24-11-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]
#9 [-2] R-Truth (24-19-4) (WWE)
#10 [--] Kane (23-14-4) (WWE) [World Heavyweight Champion]

#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-15-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (14-14-2) (TNA)
#3 [--] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (11-8-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#4 [--] Layla & Michelle McCool (11-11-0) (WWE)
#5 [--] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (9-3-0) (WWE)
#6 [--] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (7-2-0) (WWE)
#7 [+1] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#8 [-1] Nikki Bella & Brie Bella (7-4-0) (WWE)
#9 [--] Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne (6-1-0) (TNA)
#10 [--] Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer (6-4-0) (WWE)

Superstar Spotlight:
#192 Brutus Magnus
(0-5-0) (TNA)
If you're a member of the wrestling mainstream, you could be forgiven for assuming former-TV Gladiator turned wrestler [Brutus] Magnus was given his marching orders at Total Non-Stop Action! With a 2010 record of 0-5, Magnus' winless cellar-dweller status in the Kayfabe Countdown belies the success he's actually had after an energetic comeback in June!

International viewers will have seen Magnus return with a new look and single-name moniker way back in June on TNA's second-tier international television programme, Xplosion. The show, made-up of recap materials and mid-card bouts booked specifically for the international broadcast, has been created with an eye for the United Kingdom, and taken full advantage of the international talent still with TNA. Magnus worked his way on Xplosion toward a Global Title match against former-British Invasion partner and Welsh bodybuilder, Rob Terry (#60), before he united with Desmond Wolfe (#94; formerly Nigel McGuinness) to form the irreverent combination of London Brawling. With a combination of smarts, style, smugness, and good old fashioned cheating, London Brawling earned their way to a Tag Team title shot at the end of July, defeating Rob Terry & Hernandez and Ink Inc in an elimination tournament. Alas; their No Surrender match never eventuated after Desmond Wolfe was sidelined by a mysterious medical condition. It proved to be another truncation of Magnus' rise in TNA, one that came in spite of his signing a new longterm contract with the company in July, and developing a beret wearing gimmick as something of a ladies man. [Note: Generation Me replaced London Brawling at the No Surrender PPV, where they were defeated and began a subsequent feud with champions, The Motor City Machine Guns.]

Fans of TNA and Xplosion will have seen Magnus return to singles action, (accompanied by Wolfe's valet, Chelsea), where he suffered a surprise defeat against show regular, Eric Young (#106). An unceremonious return for a wrestler with as much talent as he has had bad luck, but a welcome one, none the less! It is a reminder of the value of the Xplosion television hour, which is all too often overlooked by American coverage.

Special Note: Justin Gabriel (#28) and Heath Slater (#35) were crowned WWE Tag Team Champions on this week's edition of RAW, "winning" the belts from Sunday's newly crowned champions, John Cena (#12) and David Otunga (#36). It was part of a Nexus angle.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

MKO: Netherrealm Studios Releases Scorpion Gameplay Trailer!

Netherrealm Studios has released a new HD gameplay trailer featuring a montage showcase of fan-favorite fighter, Scorpion!

The video shows off a wide array of the ninja spectre's trademark moves, weaved effortlessly into combo attacks by Mortal Kombat's new fighting engine. Amongst the bone breaking blows dealt are transitions into Tag Team attacks, X-Ray specials, and the first glimpse of Scorpion's Hellfire Backflip Kick, introduced originally in Deadly Alliance.

Scorpion's entrance in the video also features chilling new dialogue, revelling in his infernal origins with a stern warning to any of the unlucky combatants appearing later in the clip. It is unclear if this is simply part of a match entrance, or perhaps a glimpse into the much touted story mode, about which we know very little.

Find the video embedded above, or watch it on Gamespot.com.

Full Article: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/News/read.cds?article=1283

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 10/24

#1 The Big Show [--] (32-14-2)
(WWE: Smackdown)
It was a clean sweep for Team Smackdown this week as Big Show led the group to victories on RAW, Smackdown, and the Bragging Rights PPV this weekend. Show survived a team battle royal as well as the fourteen-man elimination tag match he captained to pick up a triple threat of victories, fighting alongside Kayfabe Countdown rival, Kofi Kingston. Big Show's reign as upper most victorious wrestler of 2010 isn't yet secured, but the former Tag Team Champion, whose movie Knucklehead opened in select theatres over the weekend, looks assured to be the face of WWE Smackdown since it's move to SyFy. With the Undertaker buried alive and Kane standing tall as World Heavyweight champion, one wonders if Big Show won't refocus his attention on gold in the coming months, assuming the Phenom stays down, of course...

#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (32-20-2) (WWE)
#3 [--] Rey Mysterio (28-11-3) (WWE)
#4 [--] Randy Orton (27-15-5) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#5 [+2] Drew McIntyre (26-25-3) (WWE)
#6 [+4] Cody Rhodes (25-14-2) (WWE)
#7 [-2] R-Truth (24-18-4) (WWE)
#8 [-2] The Miz (24-27-4) (WWE) [Money in the Bank]
#9 [-1] AJ Styles (23-11-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]
#10 [-1] Kane (23-14-4) (WWE) [World Heavyweight Champion]

#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-15-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (14-14-2) (TNA)
#3 [--] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (10-8-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#4 [--] Layla & Michelle McCool (10-10-0) (WWE)
#5 [--] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (9-2-0) (WWE)
#6 [+3] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (7-2-0) (WWE)
#7 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (7-3-0) (WWE)
#8 [-2] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#9 [-1] Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne (6-1-0) (TNA)
#10 [--] Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer (6-4-0) (WWE)

Superstar Spotlight:
#71 Undertaker (8-5-1) (WWE)
He's been one of the most enduring characters in WWE's modern history and it's that longevity over two decades that has many commentators and fans speculating about his pending retirement. The "Deadman" has been battling half-brother Kane through a series of matches that recall the highpoints of his flamboyant existence, bringing back the special effects and trademark match stipulations that made The Undertaker a stand-out performer during the gimmick-laden boom period of the Attitude Era. A welcome change of pace in today's bland product, even if it struggled to live up to the classics.

After surviving mythological showdowns, Hell in a Cell, and the betrayal of his manager, Paul Bearer; The Undertaker succumbed to yet another indignity when he was buried alive by Kane and the members of Nexus after seemingly reigniting the flame of his otherworldly powers. Though buried, a bolt of lightning promised The Undertaker's spirit would remain with the WWE Universe for some time. It's not the first time Undertaker has lost a match of this type, afterall, with each defeat usually signifying some sort of transformative experience. The only questions that remain now are -- when will the deadman rise again, and in what form?...

Special Note: Includes results from WWE: Bragging Rights Pay-Per-View, where John Cena (#12) and David Otunga (#34) won the Tag Team Championships in an impromptu title challenge.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 10/17

#1 The Big Show [--] (29-14-2)
(WWE: Smackdown)
Big Show's grip on the top spot is slipping after a few well timed defeats, but his Kayfabe Countdown competition will be working with him, not against, assuming teams remain the same for the inter-brand gimmick Pay-Per-View, Bragging Rights. The Big Show is set to captain a team currently consisting of Countdown rival, Kofi Kingston; Rey Mysterio, Jack Swagger, Alberto del Rio, Edge, and Smackdown new face, Tyler Reks. They'll battle for bragging rights against a RAW team featuring The Miz as captain, Sheamus, R-Truth, John Morrison, Santino Marella, and CM Punk. The fourteen man tag match, (which Smackdown won last year), will feature October 24th, which is also when Show's new feature film, Knucklehead, opens in select theatres.

#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (29-20-2) (WWE)
#3 [--] Rey Mysterio (25-11-3) (WWE)
#4 [--] Randy Orton (25-14-5) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#5 [--] R-Truth (24-17-4) (WWE)
#6 [+1] The Miz (24-24-4) (WWE) [Money in the Bank]
#7 [-1] Drew McIntyre (23-24-3) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]
#8 [+2] AJ Styles (22-11-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]
#9 [--] Kane (22-13-4) (WWE) [World Heavyweight Champion]
#10 [-2] Cody Rhodes (22-13-2) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]

#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-14-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (13-14-2) (TNA)
#3 [--] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (10-8-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#4 [--] Layla & Michelle McCool (10-9-0) (WWE)
#5 [--] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (7-1-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#6 [--] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#7 [--] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (7-3-0) (WWE)
#8 [--] Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne (6-1-0) (TNA)
#9 [--] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (6-2-0) (WWE)
#10 [--] Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer (6-4-0) (WWE)

Superstar Spotlight:
#26 Jeff Hardy (16-8-4) (TNA)
[World Heavyweight Champion]
Under a cloud of controversy, Jeff Hardy emerged from last weekend's Bound for Glory triple threat match wearing his first major championship in TNA, the World Heavyweight title! The victory came as Eric Bischoff, Hulk Hogan, Jeff Jarrett and Hardy revealed themselves to be the mysterious "They" who had been commanding the psyche of TNA's unstable monster, Abyss. A twist of fate which included retroactive confirmation that Hardy had endorsed a brutal attack on his former ally and contemporary, Rob Van Dam (#14), and welcomed interference that secured him his first TNA title reign!

Hardy made a name for himself as one of WWE's biggest babyfaces during the decline of the Attitude Era, earning the respect of fans with highflying daring in ladder matches and others of that sort. With brother Matt, he became one of the premiere tag team competitors in WWF, besting the Dudley Boyz and other top teams. Jeff eventually emerged as a singles competitor, and after a stint in TNA during the mid-2000s; Hardy returned to WWE where he received the main event push many felt he was long overdue. As a top championship holding babyface he became one of the biggest names in the industry, but chose to leave WWE in 2009 despite these incredible highs. Drug related charges soon followed, but it seems Jeff has overcome these obstacles, rising to the top of TNA as a free man, and new TNA Heavyweight Champion. The question remains: will his new heel persona take off with the fans, or have TNA squandered one of their biggest aquisitions? Time will tell.

Special Note: After a month of speculation, Matt Hardy (#62) has officially been released from his WWE contract. In controversial Twitter remarks he has alluded to his goals to join either TNA or Ring of Honor, but is yet to be attached to either company. He will presumably be bound by a ninety day no-compete clause, which will prevent him wrestling in the U.S. for that length of time.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events.

Wrestling: Kayfabe Countdown - 10/10

#1 The Big Show [--]
(29-13-2) (WWE)
After suffering a handicap defeat against the combined might of The Nexus during Smackdown's live return to SyFy; Big Show has now been announced as the leader of Team Smackdown going in to the inter-brand competitive Pay-Per-View, Bragging Rights.
The Nexus typically reside on RAW, but have operated as a rogue element, happy to decimate superstars from both brands at any given opportunity. How they will factor into the show, or the fourteen-man tag match Big Show will captain in, remains to be seen. Also remaining to be seen is the new WWE produced film, Knucklehead. Starring Big Show, it hits theatres in limited release on the 23rd and 24th, and can be ordered on Blu-Ray and DVD. Big Show stars alongside Denis Farina and others as a gentle giant who burns down his orphanage, in what looks to be a formulaic comedy that takes advantage of the growing MMA scene. Fair enough.

#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (28-20-2) (WWE)
#3 [+1] Rey Mysterio (24-11-3) (WWE)
#4 [-1] Randy Orton (24-14-5) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#5 [--] R-Truth (23-17-4) (WWE)
#6 [+2] Drew McIntyre (23-23-3) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]
#7 [-1] The Miz (23-24-4) (WWE) [Money in the Bank]
#8 [+2] Cody Rhodes (22-12-2) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]
#9 [-2] Kane (22-13-4) (WWE) [World Heayweight Champion]
#10 [-1] AJ Styles (21-11-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]

#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-4-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (12-14-2) (TNA)
#3 [+1] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (10-8-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#4 [-1] Layla & Michelle McCool (10-9-0) (WWE)
#5 [+1] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (7-1-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#6 [-1] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#7 [+2] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (7-3-0) (WWE)
#8 [-1] Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne (6-1-0) (TNA)
#9 [-1] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (6-2-0) (WWE)
#10 [--] Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer (6-4-0) (WWE)

Superstar Spotlight:
#23 Kurt Angle (16-7-3) (TNA)
Despite only debuting for WWF in 1999, Kurt Angle is one of the most storied and acclaimed superstars professional wrestling has ever seen. His Grecco-Roman grappling style complimented a pro wrestling adaptation without impediment, culminating in a rise of intensity throughout 2002 that made him, I believe, the prototype for the ultimate wrestler. Alongside the likes of Brock Lesnar, Eddie Guerrero, and Chris Benoit, he was at the forefront of a changing design in mainstream professional wrestling that has not been rivalled since. In 2006; Angle's departure from WWE and subsequent signing with TNA was a massive shock, and boosted TNA's in-ring credentials while WWE veered away from the match quality that had made Kurt Angle the highest paid asset in the business.

Kurt Angle is now following in the footsteps of various other wrestling contemporaries, hoping to emulate the success of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson by entering the world of film. He has just renewed his contract with TNA, but is expected to appear in a slate of six films in 2011, including Warrior, in which he plays an MMA champion. On that note, it was on this week's episode of the Right After Wrestling radio show that Angle revealed he took and passed the UFC entrance test. Despite having accomplished so much, it seems Kurt Angle still has plenty of ambition left, with the vague potential for an MMA transition in the future. He was unlucky in the Bound for Glory triple threat championship match, where Jeff Hardy broke the deadlock of their first two epic encounters by joining up with the sinister forces of upper management. Angle promised he'd retire if he lost the match, but under the circumstances, which included Ken Anderson being pinned, I'd think Kurt will fight on!

Special Note: This week's Countdown includes results from the TNA: Bound for Glory Pay-Per-View where Tara (#56) and Jeff Hardy (#24) captured the Knockouts and World Heavyweight Championship belts. WWE: NXT no longer contributes.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events. Dedicated to the memory of T. Haseloff (1991-2009): the best there is, best there was, and best there ever will be.

Repost: Bound for Glory Predictions

It's the biggest show on the TNA calendar behind their annual Slammiversary, and 10/10/10 has been promising big things! The vacant World Heavyweight Championship will finally be decided, while former-champ RVD gets payback, and a lethal lockdown cage sorts the extreme from the fortunate!

Triple Threat World Heavyweight Championship match
Mr. Anderson vs Kurt Angle vs Jeff Hardy
I can't help but feel this match is in the middle of two better situations. With RVD on the card elsewhere, there's a big part of me that wishes this could've been evened out to a four-way to keep the title from being officially stripped. It's an ugly and unnecessary decision that will marr the records, an RVD loss would be superior. At the same time, on the flipside, I can't help but feel a one-on-one bout between Angle and Hardy was a much purer attraction, even if a potentially sticky affair given Kurt Angle's on-going claim that a loss will end his career.

I'm not an Anderson fan and I simply cannot entertain the notion of his winning the top gold. Angle already has the most reigns as champ in the post-NWA title era, with three officially recognised reigns, one of those a combined two-fer. He can't lose, but winning asks a lot, so I would expect one of the others to pin the other, avoiding Angle's early retirement whilst naming a new champ. It seemed, for a while, Jeff Hardy's legal issues would keep him out of that predicament, but with the situation resolving itself and the next PPV poster boasting a solo shot of the big draw, I'm gonna put my chips down on Hardy's title win. I'm just not convinced by Anderson's credentials, even if that makes him the least predictable outcome. Hardy could enter a rematch program with RVD, which would probably be fun. Although, on that same note, the attraction of Hardy/Angle due to their never having fought probably rolls on to Angle/RVD, too. Fingers crossed there's no wacky swerve to delay a champ being named.
Prediction: Jeff Hardy

Monster's Ball match
Rob Van Dam vs Abyss
As already mentioned, I think it's a real shame to have RVD fit to fight on this card, while his title goes on the line in another match. Aftermath from being brutalized by Abyss' nail encrusted 2X4 would presumably give him a weakened out, but an unconvincing defense is better than no defense at all! That aftermath will presumably play a role in a match that's got the weight of other storylines on it, namely Abyss' mounting feud with Dixie Carter and the mysterious influence of 'them.' RVD's only had one loss from his nineteen televised matches, but I would think the smartest option here is to convert his weakness to an easily justified loss. That's not necessarily what will happen, particularly with those hardcore stips (which are billed as an Abyss trademark, but hand the perfect out to beat a monster). Maybe RVD gets the assist from his ECW buddies?
Prediction: Abyss

Ten Man Lethal Lockdown match
Fourtune (AJ Styles, Kazarian, Matt Morgan, Robert Roode, James Storm) vs
EV 2.0 (Tommy Dreamer, Raven, Rhino, Sabu, Stevie Richards)
It was easy to criticize the early Hogan/Bischoff decision to turn AJ Styles heel with a Nature Boy Jr gimmick. It seemed tired and part of a sweeping disregard for what TNA Had done under old management. The irony is that [Ric] Flair's team has grown to effectively represent the pure TNA Originals! With that fact in mind, I'm never quite sure who to cheer here. Quantity service for the big show. EV 2.0 haven't had a lot of luck in their clashes with TNA stalwarts, but then, isn't that spirit of the loser underdog what ECW was all about? I don't know where they intend to go with EV 2.0, and in the absence of a swerve, they might as well just aim to hurt someone.
Preiction: Team Fourtune

X-Division Championship match
Douglas Williams vs Jay Lethal (c)
Wacky antics during the month as Jay Lethal dropped the X-title for a couple of nights to Amazing Red via a hometown house show. Didn't do a lot of favours to the belt. Would be a real misstep to drop the belt off Lethal again so quickly. Douglas Williams was an awesome champ, but the best case scenario here is a high quality job, for the good of the strap.
Prediction: Jay Lethal

Tag Team Championship match
Generation Me vs Motor City Machine Guns (c)
Having the wholesome second-coming of the Hardy Boyz turn heel at such an early stage in their TNA rise really surprised me, but it clearly hasn't hurt their trajectory. The clean living Young Bucks (Max and Jeremy; GenMe) are more seasoned than they look, and with silky smooth tag team high flying, have all the chutzpah to make it work down the line when they've put some more yards in, I think. With the vacated belt up for grabs in the main event, I'd hate to see an arbitrary title change. Keep the Bucks in the hunt, but let Sabin and Shelley continue to wear the belts proudly.
Prediction: Motor City Machine Guns

Tag Team Handicap match
Sting, Kevin Nash & D'Angelo Dinero vs Jeff Jarrett & Samoa Joe
Despite a couple of false starts, Samoa Joe continues to loiter in the mid-card. The on-going feud between Jarrett and Nash/Sting runs the risk of getting real tired, but a recent interview spotlight of opposing views gave the Nash side of things a great short in the arm. To borrow the metaphor, one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter. I like the philosophy behind the battle, but it seems a shame to drag Joe and The Pope into the battle. BFG isn't quite Wrestlemania, so I'd be willing to give the bad guys better than even odds.
Prediction: Sting, Kevin Nash & The Pope

Four Corners Knockouts Championship match
Velvet Sky vs Madison Rayne vs Tara vs Angelina Love (c)
The Beautiful People have a stranglehold on the women's slot, it seems, as the likes of Sarita, and the Knockouts Tag champs (Taylor Wilde & Hamada), remain off the big card. A change would do them good, but this should at least be an acceptable showdown. Not sure where they're going.
Prediction: Angelina Love

Tag Team match
Eric Young & Orlando Jordan vs Ink Inc.
On paper, I'm not sure it should work, but Eric Young's wackiness and Jordan's... tackiness have a weird way of gelling. Internatioinal audiences will be a lot more familiar with what's going down here, which is something I appreciate. TNA critics and so-called experts should make an effort to be informed. Presumably there'll be a tag opening, particularly with London Brawling still missing in action (despite a Desmond Wolfe appearance on Xplosion). I'd like to see Neal/Moore get the shot, but you never know, and neither does Eric Young.
Prediction: Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal (Ink Inc)

The Kayfabe Countdown: TNA Top Ten
Cumulative tally based on the win/loss records of televised matches.

#1 AJ Styles [+1] (Television Champion)
#2 Rob Van Dam [-1]
#3 Kurt Angle [+1]
#4 Jeff Hardy [+1]
#5 Abyss [-2]
#6 Robert Roode [--]
#7 Ken Anderson [RE]
#8 Velvet Sky [-1]
#9 James Storm [-1]
#10 "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero [RE]

#1 Robert Roode & James Storm [--]
#2 Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin [--] (Tag Team Champions)
#3 Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne [--]
#4 Hernandez & Matt Morgan [--]
#5 Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal [--]

Originally posted: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9059833

Wrestling: The Kayfabe Countdown - 10/3

#1 The Big Show [--]
(29-13-2) (WWE)
Big Show got the weekend off while fellow big-men, Undertaker and Kane, were featured at the Hell in a Cell PPV event. He was present for Smackdown's debut live broadcast on SyFy this week, however, where he suffered defeat at the hands of RAW's rookie quintet, The Nexus. One wonders if this might be pointing toward the October 24 Bragging Rights show, which will pit wrestlers from the two brands against each other. In the past few months, The Nexus has taken the opportunity to spoil various Smackdown events on PPV, including IC bouts involving Dolph Ziggler and Kofi Kingston. Ziggler was on the receiving end of a similar attack, along with MVP, on Smackdown. Might an alliance led by the Big Show be building? We shall see!...

#2 [--] Kofi Kingston (28-19-2) (WWE)
#3 [+2] Randy Orton (24-14-5) (WWE) [WWE Champion]
#4 [-1] Rey Mysterio (23-11-3) (WWE)
#5 [-1] R-Truth (23-16-4) (WWE)
#6 [--] The Miz (23-23-4) (WWE) [Money in the Bank]
#7 [+1] Kane (22-13-4) (WWE) [World Heavyweight Champion]
#8 [+1] Drew McIntyre (22-23-2) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]
#9 [+1] AJ Styles (21-9-5) (TNA) [Television Champion]
#10 [new] Cody Rhodes (21-12-2) (WWE) [Tag Team Champion]

#1 [--] Tyson Kidd & DH Smith (16-13-0) (WWE)
#2 [--] Robert Roode & James Storm (12-13-2) (TNA)
#3 [--] Layla & Michelle McCool (10-8-0) (WWE)
#4 [--] Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin (9-8-2) (TNA) [Tag Team Champions]
#5 [--] Big Show & The Miz (7-4-1) (WWE)
#6 [+3] Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (6-1-0) (WWE) [Tag Team Champions]
#7 [-1] Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne (6-1-0) (TNA)
#8 [-1] Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov (6-2-0) (WWE)
#9 [RE] Brie Bella & Nikki Bella (6-3-0) (WWE)
#10 [-2] Curt Hawkins & Vance Archer (6-4-0) (WWE)

Superstar Spotlight:
#13 Christian (20-20-1) (WWE)
2010 was shaping up to be a good year for Christian! He started it with gold as reigning ECW Champion, and enjoyed a string of successful defenses of the strap before ECW was dissolved in February, and the title was won by Ezekiel Jackson on the final show. He subsequently appeared on RAW by default, later traded to Smackdown, where he remained an active component in the Intercontinental Championship race as one of the bigger names on the depleted post-draft show. His success rate earlier in the year saw him remain at the top of the Kayfabe Countdown for several months, with a win/loss percentage that went unrivalled until the middle of the year, after a string of defeats in big game matches.

Most recently, he was set to begin a feud with hotshot recruit, Alberto del Rio (#110), better known as Mexican legacy luchador, Dos Caras Jr. So esteemed is Del Rio that he claimed Rey Mysterio as his first scalp, with Christian set to develop as his first feuding buddy. Alas; a torn pectoral muscle has put Christian on the sidelines and forced Mysterio back from the injury bench prematurely.

Christian has long been identified as one of the unsung heroes of the WWE brand, described in hyperbole as a talent with the wrong face for Vince McMahon's vision of TV wrestling. It was arguably his tenure in TNA that truly canonized his status, thanks to two reigns as then-NWA World Heavyweight Champion! Personally, I enjoyed the platform his character was given in a time when TNA had a better eye for the sports side of modern mainstream wrestling, aka; "sports entertainment".

Special Note: As of the September 28 episode of WWE NXT, the show will no longer air in the United States, reverting to an online only programme. For the time being, this will disqualify future NXT results from being included in the Kayfabe Countdown. This week's Countdown includes results from the WWE: Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View.

The Kayfabe Countdown is based on the cumulative tally of wrestler win/loss records, based on televised matches from WWE and TNA 2010 broadcasts. At present, they includes TNA: Impact!, WWE: RAW, WWE: NXT, WWE: Superstars, WWE: Smackdown, and monthly Pay-Per-View events. Shout out to Kron!

Repost: Hell in a Cell Predictions

Dedication to concept events introduced a year ago is leading WWE down a mediocre path, compounded by a short two week gap between now and the last PPV event. The demands of the Hell in a Cell matches look to only afford a short five-match card, with very little room for the majesty the variant cage match once held.

Hell in a Cell World Heavyweight Championship match
The Undertaker vs Kane (c)
This unsurprising rematch comes loaded with the Smackdown return of Paul Bearer, and the restoration of The Undertaker's legendary mystic powers. Some critics have scoffed the heavy fiction of the feud, but personally, I am refreshed by this return to characters and big gimmicks. That said, in revisiting tapes of their legendary encounters through '97 and '98, I'm reminded how much more compelling this was the first time around, when the entire promotion supported big, fictionalized characters engaged in larger storylines than today's equivalents.

A legitimate one-on-one encounter in the Hell in a Cell is the one match we never really saw Kane and Undertaker go at it in. In that respect, it has something fresh going for it. How they will make use of the structure, which was made famous early with dangerous bumps performed by Shawn Michaels and Mick "Mankind" Foley, is a bit of a mystery to me, though. Undertaker's resilience as a performer never ceases to amaze, but it's difficult to imagine either seven footer going for the high spots their dimensional, younger counterparts did. HIAC matches have proven there are plenty of methods to go about this business, such as the legendary 2002 No Mercy encounter between the Undertaker and Brock Lesnar. If WWE can lighten their stance on blood, that might be the brand of match that sells the significance and threatening nature of this special event. Bonus points if they can scar up Kane, who's lacked the awe of his earlier masked incarnations for a long time now.

Theories abound say this won't be the last stop for the reunion feud. Rumors of an upcoming Buried Alive match set the stage for significant escalation, while the prospect of a Kane streak leading to Wrestlemania puts a twist on always anticipated preparations for Undertaker's legendary undefeated run at the big show. If it means the return of the classic 'Taker gimmicks, I say the more the merrier!
Prediction: Undertaker

Hell in a Cell WWE Championship match
Sheamus vs Randy Orton (c)
As of last year, Undertaker actually had one less victory and two more defeats in the Cell than Triple H. The numbers might not back it up, but I still think of the match as an Undertaker trademark, due in no small part to the depth of his feuds that led to these matches. The HIAC gimmick has appeared at least once a year since it's 1997 introduction, but until last year, it hadn't been a pre-announced fixture of any show. By staging multiple Cell matches in a single night, with the primary motivation being a calendar set agreement, I feel it strips the match of it's majesty and integrity. Case in point, the barren lead-up to Sheamus' rematch against Randy Orton. Orton picked up the belt last month in a six-pack elimination and I wouldn't expect them to go back on it that quickly. The only way the bout will redeem itself is if the younger, more able athletes are able to do something in the Cell we haven't seen in a while.
Prediction: Randy Orton

Nexus Membership or Disbanding match
John Cena vs Wade Barrett
If Cena wins, Nexus must disband. If Barrett wins, the posterboy of the PG-era must be their slave.
It's not a bad build-up for a mid-card bout, but with Barrett still wrestling a little underdone, and the adventures of Cena always a little bland, this isn't exciting me. Ironically, with the menace of the four other members of The Nexus, you would think this match at least had a bigger reason to be caged off by a Cell, but it's not to be. I can only hope that's to keep the deck stacked against Cena, who will no doubt spend the next month looking for an out if he is absorbed into the rookie group.
Prediction: Wade Barrett

Triple Threat Submission Falls Count Anywhere US Championship match
The Miz vs John Morrison vs Daniel Bryan (c)
Convoluted doesn't begin to explain this awkward match! While it's nice to see him get a guernsey, the most unnecessary aspect of the match might be Morrison, whose heat with former-partner The Miz is a distant memory. I'd rather see an honest one-on-one between the competent mat work of the US champ and his feuding buddy and former-champ, Miz. Adding the "anywhere" stipulation has the bonus of guaranteeing a finish with nowhere to run, but given that a submission match is usually no DQ, it makes me long for the days when they had a little garbage hardcore on the card. The rules and double-face of Morrison/Bryan seems to suggest a heel win, but it would be a mistake to take the belt from Bryan a month after his win.
Prediction: Daniel Bryan

WWE Unified Divas Championship match
Natalya Neidhart vs Michelle McCool (c)
I didn't catch how the belt transferred from Layla to McCool. It's neat to see Neidhart finally breaking away from valet/tag duty with the Hart Dynasty, who've been unfortunately sacrificed for the sake of an unimpressive makeshift pairing (McIntyre/Rhodes). I don't know how graceful the bout will be, but at least it's something new. Hopefully at least one other match surprises on the show.
Prediction: Michelle McCool

The Kayfabe Countdown: WWE Top Ten
Cumulative tally based on the win/loss records of televised matches.

#1 The Big Show [--]
#2 Kofi Kingston [--]
#3 Rey Mysterio [--]
#4 Randy Orton (WWE Champion) [+2]
#5 R-Truth [-1]
#6 The Miz [-1]
#7 Drew McIntyre (Tag Team Champion) [new]
#8 Cody Rhodes (Tag Team Champion) [new]
#9 Kane (World Heavyweight Champion) [--]
#10 Michelle McCool (Divas Champion) [-3]

#1 Tyson Kidd & DH Smith [--]
#2 Layla & Michelle McCool [--]
#3 Big Show & The Miz [--]
#4 Drew McIntyre & Cody Rhodes (Tag Team Champions) [new]
#5 Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov [-1]

Originally posted: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9058662