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6.28.2009

WWE's The Bash Preview

Is anyone else excited about buying a PPV, when you’ve already seen 2 free ones the past two Monday nights? I know I am!

Although The Bash could end up having one of the lower buyrates in recent years, there are a few intriguing matches; in particular, CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy for the World Heavyweight Championship and Chris Jericho vs. Rey Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship. The build to both matches has been excellent, and all 4 wrestlers should deliver in the ring. Let’s start from the top . . .

World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy

CM Punk as heel is perplexing move, even if his gradual shift has led to some pretty intriguing television.

I’m not even completely convinced WWE made the (gradual) change on purpose, because really, they shouldn’t be going in that direction, considering the lack of elite level babyfaces on the Friday night brand. But the way Punk beat Hardy at Extreme Rules ensured it was going to happen.

Who wins? I think it comes down to Hardy’s contract situation. If Hardy agrees to an extension, he becomes champ. If not, Punk retains. How’s that for some enticing negotiations?

My guess is that Punk retains, because Hardy really needs to take some time off. Financially, it’s not a good decision, but health-wise, it’s the right one. Take 6 months off, and come back refreshed.

Regardless of the outcome, this match should be solid, and it’s easily the most intriguing match on the card. Both men usually step up their games on PPV, especially Hardy.

Winner: CM Punk

WWE Championship: Randy Orton vs. Triple H

Yawn. No heat! Even the higher-ups seem to recognize that there’s little interest in this feud, hence all the gimmicks attached to their every match.

Sunday’s match is a “Three Stages of Hell Match”; in other words, best 2 out of 3 falls, with the first fall being contested under regular rules, the second under Falls Count Anywhere rules, and the third, if necessary (isn’t it always necessary?), under Stretcher Match rules.

Hopefully Orton puts an end to this feud once and for all; however, I fret that we may have another Triple H vs. Orton headlining SummerSlam. Wait . . . there’s yet another PPV before SummerSlam? Ugh.

A better idea (if they don’t want to go in a younger direction, which evidently, they don’t): Randy Orton vs. Ric Flair for the WWE Championship at SS. They already have a built-in storyline (remember the kick to the head?), and having Flair come out of retirement for once last shot at the title could be a compelling storyline. I know Orton would be up to the task.

Back to Triple H: I think I speak for everyone when I say we’ve had enough of Triple H main eventing PPVs. Even his brief hiatus did nothing to freshen up his character. Just go away, dude. That’s what I do when I see you on TV.

While we’re dissing Trips, Eric Bischoff had some pretty interesting things to say about Vince’s son-in-law this past week on his blog:

"Triple H’s entrance is weak, old and so tired I went to go floss my teeth when it started. He looks like a Lhasa Apso genetic experiment gone bad. Get him some new music for Gods sake, and a hair-cut. One word describes HHH’s character: dated."

Slightly hypocritical, don’t you think? Considering Bischoff was the guy who pushed Hogan far past his best before date. Even if hypocritical (and a little bitter, perhaps?), Bischoff is right.

Winner: Randy Orton

ECW Championship Scramble Match

I don’t think Tommy Dreamer has any chance of hanging on to the belt. Instead, Jack Swagger needs a solid showing and a clean victory to get back on track.

Although – a babyface victory (Christian or Dreamer) would allow the champ to potentially feud with Tyson Kidd or David Hart Smith, which would be sweet. Still, I’m going with Swagger, in what will surely be a clusterfuck of a match.

Winner: Jack Swagger

Intercontinental Championship: Chris Jericho vs. Rey Mysterio

Hands down, the most compelling storyline going today. Many (if not most) current WWE fans have never heard of Rey losing his mask in WCW, so the storyline is fresh for them. Even if you do know about it, you should at least respect the way Jericho (in particular) has put this feud over.

Hopefully, Rey doesn’t have his mask removed because, you know, it really didn’t turn out too well last time. Prediction: Rey wins the belt, but Jericho’s pursuit of Rey’s mask continues.

Winner: Rey Mysterio

John Cena vs. The Miz

It seems like overnight, Miz has been catapulted to a main position on the roster. Then again, that’s what happens when you’re associated with Cena.

If Miz turns into a main event player, Cena deserves a lot of the credit. Think about it: very rarely does the top guy allow a mid-carder to elevate himself by putting down the main event guy. Remember Stone Cold and Jeff Jarrett? Miz owes Cena.

A victory for Miz would elevate him that much further. I don’t see it happening.

Winner: John Cena

Women’s Championship: Melina vs. Michelle McCool

Don’t care ... at all. Melina, I guess.

Winner: Melina

Unified Tag Team Championship: Primo and Carlito vs. Ted Dibiase and Cody Rhodes

Trivia question: when was the last time the tag team titles (of any sort) were defended on a WWE PPV?

Answer: September 7, 2008 at Unforgiven. Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibase vs. Cryme Tyme. That’s right, it’s been over 9 months!

My guess is that Legacy picks up the win tonight. Then, in another nine months, they’ll defend the titles at WrestleMania. Ya right!

Winners: Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase

Dolph Ziggler vs. Great Khali

Really? This is on a PPV? Ziggler better be going over.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler


1 comments: on "WWE's The Bash Preview"

Dante said...

I noticed that you didn't mention the US title being on the card. Did you leave it out of did WWE feel its not important enough to be defended?

I have been waiting for Matt Hardy and HHH to cut their hair for years. I would add Edge to that list but after seeing that CG image of him bald during his hair feud with Angle I think he would look like Logosi's Dracula.

This PPV seems rather weak and is a good sign that monthly PPV's are dated. There is no need to spend any money on these things every single month. We see these matches for free every week.

I wonder what we would think of the Punk/Hardy feud if we had no knowledge of the backstage contract shit. I still dont buy Punk as a champ. I no longer care if he is heel or face. He's just some dude that always looks tired and makes a simple cool ass move (GTS) look lame. Morrison needs the belt! Why isn't he on the PPV?! He beat the "champ" clean! Where's my light socket?!