In just over 24 hours, the biggest party of the summer will begin. Well, at least that's how WWE markets it. This year, the entire 3 hour pay per view's success is contingent on its main event, a double digit elimination tag team match featuring the biggest threat to the WWE since the WCW/ECW invasion, the Nexus. These 7 rookies are finally being put on the main stage to prove themselves, which has subsequently made all the other matches almost insignificant. So far, the card features 6 matches, but all eyes will be on just the one. With that said, I still have to hold up my end of the bargain and continue my run of dominance with my picks, so here goes.
Intercontinental Championship - Dolph Ziggler(c) vs. Kofi Kingston - This is probably the easiest pick to make. Ziggler just won the title, and having him lose already would be both embarassing to him and the creative team. Ziggler keeps the belt, though I expect this match to open the show and be very solid.
Divas Championship - Alicia Fox(c) vs. Melina - After proclaiming herself unbeatable, Alicia Fox ran into a world of trouble as the glamorous Melina made her return on Raw 2 weeks ago. After suffering a torn ACL 6 months ago, Melina looks to have recovered well and is primed to take back the championship she had to give up. Still, I can't see a positive in giving the title right back to Melina, so I have to imagine the Fox retains here. If Melina wins, it basically takes away all of her credibility and shows that the Divas division is Melina.................then everyone else. Somehow I doubt that is the goal, so Fox wins, though not cleanly I might assume.
Handicap Match - Big Show vs. Straight Edge Society - Over the past month, the Big Show has been the thorn in the Straight Edge Society's side. He has unmasked the bald punk, unmasked Joey Mercury, and generally has made things uncomfortable for the pure group. With Punk healthy though, the tides have turned, and I have to imagine Show is in trouble. The Society has to win here. If they don't, you can basically kiss their credibility goodbye. You can't lose a 3 on 1 match, even to a man the size of the Big Show. This group has the potential to hold a lot of gold in their future, but that can only happen if they show their cohesiveness and take down WWE's resident giant. Straight Edge Society wins this one.
WWE Championship - Sheamus(c) vs. Randy Orton - This was probably the most difficult pick for me to make. Sheamus probably should win since his title reign has been short and lackluster due to being overshadowed by the Nexus storyline, but an Orton win opens up the possibility of Nexus' Wade Barrett challenging for the title. It also presents the possibility of Miz's rise, as well as challenges from Edge and Jericho provided they stay heel. Even with all those possibilities and the limited ones presented with Sheamus as champ, another short reign for the Irishman wouldn't be good long term, so I think Sheamus retains here. As much as we all want face Orton as champ, waiting a little longer for it might be the best medicine.
World Heavyweight Championship - Kane(c) vs. Rey Mysterio - It's pretty amazing that about 2 years ago, this was an undercard bout, but with these two older and closer to retirement, it has become a semi-main event. Obviously the storyline driving it in regards to the Undertaker is what makes this matchup credible, and as such, the Deadman will steal the spotlight in regards to the match. I predict (and this isn't really reaching) that Undertaker comes back tomorrow night. It will happen after the match, and it should reveal Taker's attacker. Kane will retain here, and Rey might just get his vacation after an attack.
Elimination Tag Match - The Nexus vs. John Cena, John Morrison, R-Truth, Bret Hart, Edge, Chris Jericho, and ? - There is more intrigue with this match than any in recent memory, as I can't remember so many factors having the ability to come to a head on one night. First off, who will be the 7th man on Team WWE? Will someone turn to help Nexus? Perhaps the turn will have to do with the anonymous GM? No matter what factors involved, Nexus has to win. Having them lose now means the end of Nexus, and why take away the biggest draw you have at the moment? Someone is going to turn, and I'm not even going to attempt to predict who. I will go out on a limb and predict Bryan Danielson being the 7th man, even though I have no sources or no discernible reason to believe it. I just figure the story would be perfect. Miz decides to join the team, but Cena says, "we've already filled the spot". People start to wonder who it is, and Danielson comes out to the roar of the crowd. It would be the perfect story, but then something has to go wrong. It would draw a wide range of emotion for just one match, but that is what makes it so great. I expect Nexus to win with someone turning on the team, probably Bret Hart.
I'm sure there will be at least one match added to the card, but the ones there already provide for a pretty decent show. Granted, without the Nexus match, it's below average, but I would buy this show for that match alone. I'm very excited to see how it all turns out. Let's hope that it lives up to expectations, as this could produce one of the all time great wrestling moments if done well. We'll all find out in just over a day. I can't wait.
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