IYO: Order of the matches at WRESTLEMANIA XVI *FINAL MANIA CARD UPDATED*

[GD]

Opening Match: Triple-H versus Sheamus

http://us.wwe.com/content/media/images/3883682/13722954

Match 2: Unified WWE Tag Team Championship Match

http://us.wwe.com/content/media/images/3883682/13693284

Match 3: Triple Threat Match

http://us.wwe.com/content/media/images/3883682/13782996

Match 4: 10 Men "Money in the Bank" Ladder Match- Winner earns a shot at the WWE Championship or the World Heavyweight Title

http://us.wwe.com/content/media/images/3883682/13862146

Match 5: CM Punk versus Rey Mysterio- If Mysterio loses he will be forced to join the Straight-Edge Society

http://us.wwe.com/content/media/images/3883682/13816584

Match 6: World Heavyweight Championship Match

http://us.wwe.com/content/media/images/3883682/13590724

Match 7: Divas Tag Team Match

http://us.wwe.com/content/media/images/3883682/13909978

The Main Events for the Night:

Main Event #1: Bret Hart versus Mr.McMahon

http://us.wwe.com/content/media/images/3883682/13736284

Main Event #2: Streak versus Career

http://us.wwe.com/content/media/images/3883682/13589158

Main Event #3: WWE Championship Match

http://us.wwe.com/content/media/images/3883682/13591108

Side Note: I am really pumped up for this year's Mania. Hope it fulfills our expectations :wave:

[thedamndest]

Match 1: Money in the Bank

Match 2: ShowMiz v. R-Truth/Morrison

Match 3: C.M. Punk v. Rey Mysterio

Match 4: Orton v. DiBiase v. Rhodes

Match 5: Edge v. Chris Jericho

Match 6: Bret Hart v. Vince McMahon

Match 7: Undertaker v. HBK

Match 8: HHH v. Sheamus

Match 9: Batista v. Cena

[Supreme Olajuwon]

For WrestleMania XVI:

1. The Big Boss Man and Bull Buchanan vs. The Godfather and D'Lo Brown
2. Hardcore Championship Battle Royal
3. T&A vs. Head Cheese
4. E&C vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz
5. Terri vs. The Kat
6. Too Cool & Chyna vs. The Radicalz
7. Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angel
8. Rikishi & Kane vs. DX
9. Triple H vs. The Rock vs. Mick Foley vs. The Big Show


IMO

[Jordan]

1. ShowMiz vs R-Truth and Morrison
2. Rey Mysterio vs CM Punk
3. Shawn Michael vs The Undertaker
4. Money In the Bank Ladder Match
5. Triple H vs Sheamus
6. McMahon vs Hart
7. Edge vs Jericho
8. Cena vs Batista

I know its a litte odd, but I think Miz is the right guy to start of Wrestlemania this year. Money in the Bank is usually lower on the card and thats good in my opinion and is perfect to follow HBK/Taker. You need something different and fast paced for follow a potential wrestling classic.

Edge/Jericho isn't built up enough to be the main event.

I'd put Sheamus high on the card just to give him more of a rub.

[thedamndest]

For WrestleMania XVI:

1. The Big Boss Man and Bull Buchanan vs. The Godfather and D'Lo Brown
2. Hardcore Championship Battle Royal
3. T&A vs. Head Cheese
4. E&C vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz
5. Terri vs. The Kat
6. Too Cool & Chyna vs. The Radicalz
7. Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angel
8. Rikishi & Kane vs. DX
9. Triple H vs. The Rock vs. Mick Foley vs. The Big Show


IMO

I hope T&A go over.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The main event is so predictable though. Everyone knows Triple H is going to drop the title. No heel has ever left with the belt in WM history.

[Mr. C]

Match #1: Money In The Bank
Match #2: John Morrison & R-Truth vs. The Big Show & The Miz
Match #3: CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio
Match #4: Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
Match #5: Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon
Match #6: Chris Jericho vs. Edge
Match #7: Sheamus vs. Triple-H
Match #8: Batista vs. John Cena

[HBPunk]

1.MITB
2.Punk vs Rey
3.Seamus vs HHH
4.Bret Hart vs Mr. McMahon
5.Tag Team Championship match
6.Y2J vs Edge
7.Women's Bullshit
8.Batista vs John Cena
9.Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels

[Mr. Nerfect]

Interesting thread. I think you may need to edit the title, though. Anyway, here is how I would personally construct the show.

Opening Match: Show-Miz (c) vs. Truth & Wisdom for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship
For a while, I have been saying that CM Punk and Rey Mysterio should open the PPV, because I feel that their status as definitive face and heel will work out really well for them. I've sort of changed my opinion on this a little bit, just because of who I think should go over in that match. Show-Miz vs. Black Magic & The White Shadow also has such strong face/heel dynamics, and that could be used to open. Switch the titles to John Morrison & R-Truth to open the show.

Michelle McCool (c) vs. Beth Phoenix for the WWE Women's Championship
I'm sick of the Women's Title being a buffer between main events. Give the girls proper time and clearance to tell a story at Mania this year. I think Phoenix winning the title will be a good enough moment to stand early in the card. Bring Santino Marella out to celebrate with her after the match, so he gets some air-time and can be funny for a bit. Then maybe surprise us and have Amazing Kong randomly destroy both, making her debut at WrestleMania.

The Miz (c) vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE United States Championship
Theodore Long has been forcing The Miz into some impromptu US Title defences over recent months, and I don't see why WrestleMania should be no different. The Miz putting his US Title on the line against his NXT rookie would be interesting, and give pay-off to the tension The Miz and Bryan have been building at the grandest stage of them all. It also puts at least one of the secondary titles on the line. Daniel Bryan shocking the world and winning his first US Title at WrestleMania XXVI would be a pretty cool moment, too.

Triple H vs. Sheamus
I don't think this match needs to be too late in the card. And of the "main events," this one feels the least "main eventiest." I've also done a switch on who I think should win, and Triple H going over now makes perfect sense to me. Sheamus will get a rub by just competing with Triple H on the grandest stage of them all.

Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon
I don't think this match needs to be on too late during the card. I don't really see it lasting too long. Bret walks out, beats up Vince pretty effortlessly, showing no signs of a leg injury, freaking Vince out, and then putting him in the Sharpshooter. That's all they need to do. Bret both outsmarts Vince, and beats him nice and clean for the pink and black legacy.

Hall of Fame segment
The WWE does this every year, but I think its placement on the card could be used to divide two really big matches. It coming after Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon, two men past their prime, and featuring Stu Hart being inducted just feels right. But put it before...

Randy Orton & Kofi Kingston vs. Legacy
Maybe add a #1 Contender's for the Unified WWE Tag Team Titles stip to this match. I like the idea of meeting the Hall of Fame Class of 2010, and then having a match between a rising star, a second generation star and two third generation stars. As they are the thrown together tag team, I think Legacy going over and being made a threat to the Tag Titles is actually the best move here. Orton and Kingston could continue their feud with a more face/face dynamic heading into a big match at Extreme Rules.

The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels
No, I don't think this should close the show. This will be a fantastic match, and should get plenty of time, though. And after HBK's career has ended, he deserves some good time to soak in the ovation, and this is where the show should break a little, and allow people to go to the bathroom and such, before it re-starts and we get back into things.

CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio
Many people will be confused by the placement of this one, but I think it will be the ultimate test to both CM Punk and Rey Mysterio. Their match will be good regardless of whether the crowd is burned out, and I think that the face/heel dynamic combined with Punk getting on the mic after HBK has just retired would be so antagonising enough that people would be drawn back into the show right way. Call this a "re-opener," if you will. Rey could even go over here as a way of giving the fans some triumph.

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Yeah, I've put this match on really late. I think it should be this year. I don't like the idea of the match opening the show. It seems lazy, and it downplays the importance of the match, in my opinion. The winner of this match gets to either challenge for the WWE Title or World Heavyweight Title whenever they want to. That pretty much guarantees they win, and I think that concept should be treated with gravity. Especially if they are going to make it a stand-alone PPV for the future.

Batista (c) vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship
No other RAW brand match should go after this one. The two representatives of this era clashing over the WWE Championship. If I had my way, Stone Cold Steve Austin would be the special guest referee for this match. It wouldn't seem right if Cena didn't win here, becoming a seven-time WWE Champion and nine-time World Champion overall. I would not be opposed to seeing the Money in the Bank title shot cashed in at this point, however, and leaving Cena without his title.

Chris Jericho (c) vs. Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship
To me, this is the true main event of the PPV. It's about a World Title, has got good build, will be a great wrestling match and has the Royal Rumble Winner trying to complete their Road to WrestleMania. It's simple, and the only problem is the fans not being burnt out by this point. But truthfully, I think Jericho is a good enough heel and Edge a recogniseable enough star that it won't happen. I think they look too second-class if they compete anywhere else on the show. Edge wins the title here cleanly to close the PPV.

[Nicky Fives]

I don't know what order the matches will be in, but it should be booked that Vince/Bret go on after HBK/Taker because there is absolutely no way that Bret/Vince will be as good as that match, plus they could benefit from the atmosphere from HB/Taker

[Mr. Nerfect]

1. ShowMiz vs R-Truth and Morrison
2. Rey Mysterio vs CM Punk
3. Shawn Michael vs The Undertaker
4. Money In the Bank Ladder Match
5. Triple H vs Sheamus
6. McMahon vs Hart
7. Edge vs Jericho
8. Cena vs Batista

I know its a litte odd, but I think Miz is the right guy to start of Wrestlemania this year. Money in the Bank is usually lower on the card and thats good in my opinion and is perfect to follow HBK/Taker. You need something different and fast paced for follow a potential wrestling classic.

Edge/Jericho isn't built up enough to be the main event.

I'd put Sheamus high on the card just to give him more of a rub.

For weeks, I have thought the exact same thing about Money in the Bank. The match represents a new beginning while Taker/HBK will symbolise close. Not only that, but guys falling off ladders is not something that people will be silent for. I went with CM Punk following Taker/HBK, because it seems like the kind of test the WWE would give him, and Punk could actually piss people off with it ("Your false heroes keep on failing, and I keep on succeeding. When are you people going to wisen up and start raising your kids properly?"). Then I'd go with Money in the Bank. A good one-two to wash off the epic closure that The Undertaker/HBK will bring.

[HBPunk]

fuckin hell, noid or nerd? how many highlighters do u bring to school in your pencil case?

[The Franchise]

1. ShowMiz vs R-Truth/Morrison

2. MITB

3. CM Punk vs Rey Mysterio

4. Orton/Legacy Match

5. Edge vs. Chris Jericho

6. Triple H vs. Sheamus

7. Undertaker vs. HBK

8. Divas Match

9. Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon

10. Batista vs. John Cena

[Team Sheep]

I don't care as long as MITB doesn't open the show. It should be about 2nd or 3rd. The tag team title match will be a good opener.

[Mr Amazing]

Match 1) Tag title Match Winners: Morrison and R-Truth
Match 2) Puck vs Mysterio Winner: Mysterio
Match 3) HHH vs Sheamus Winner: HHH
Match 4) Divas Match
Match 5) Orton vs Legacy Winner: Orton
Match 6) Money in the Bank Winner :Christian
Match 7) Hart vs McMahon Winner : Hart
Hall of Fame Segment
Match 8)Cena vs Batista Winner : Cena
Match 9) Edge vs Jericho winner: Jericho
Main Event) HBK vs Taker Winner: Taker

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>1. Punk vs. Mysterio (Mask vs. Hair?)
2. MITB
3. Orton vs. DiBiase vs. Rhodes
4. Women's Title - Phoenix vs. McCool (Probably a lumberjill match)
5. HHH vs. Sheamus
6. World Heavyweight Title - Edge vs. Jericho
7. Hart vs. McMahon
8. Unified Tag Team Titles - Morrison/Truth vs. ShoMiz
9. WWE Title - Cena vs. Batista
Hall of Fame Segment
10. HBK vs. Taker

---

A bit different then most. In terms of placement, the opener is probably the second most important match on the card to get the crowd going. I'd have Punk enter first and cut a promo to really get the crowd riled before Rey enters in his superhero costume of the year. Probably an awesome match will follow where Rey can get his revenge (and if they go with the Mask/Hair stip, the crowd will get to see Punk shaved.

I kinda wanted to put MITB later along in the show, but I don't believe it's ever gone on any place other than 1st or 2nd, and I see that trend continuing.

No disrespect intended to the two main title matches, as I'm sure they'll both be great, but I do think Taker/HBK should close out the show. The buildup has been fantastic again this year, and I'm just not sure anybody else would be able to follow them again this year.

I inserted the HOF segment later than usual, to give the fans a quick break between Cena/Batista and Taker/HBK...plus it also would be an appropriate segway before two future Hall of Famers square off. While I don't think this will be either man's official last match...I'm not sure they'll have a chance to do something this big again.

I'm guessing that the next night on Raw, regardless of the outcome, there will either be a ceremony commemorating Taker's long-lasting streak, or the end of Michaels' career. Probably will see the whole roster empty out for that. I wouldn't mind WM ending with the roster emptying in applause, as it seems like an event worthy of breaking kayfabe...but for that reason it will probably happen on Raw.</font>

[Jeritron]

lol at Match #3: Cena vs Batista. Doesn't qualify as one of the three main events. How is that vacation from reality going?

[Jeritron]

In the middle of a heel turn right now

[Mr. Nerfect]

fuckin hell, noid or nerd? how many highlighters do u bring to school in your pencil case?

Don't go to school, buddy.

[owenbrown]

Jeritron turning heel?

[Jordan]

Noid, I know that Kofi is probably going to end up with MITB but that idea is pretty good too, the tag match. It would be interesting, but how does it really come about?

[bostonbill41]

Interesting. From a practical standpoint there will be a huge traffic jam trying to get into the Stadium by 4pm. I wouldnt put HHH in the opener. Punk vs Mysterio makes more sense for the first match. Id say McMahon probably goes in the last three matches. Is a four hour show really a good idea? That being said I cant wait.

[GD]

lol at Match #3: Cena vs Batista. Doesn't qualify as one of the three main events. How is that vacation from reality going?

Wrestlemania XXIII

Match #4:
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

World Heavyweight Champion Batista versus The Undertaker :-\

[GD]

Inserting a possible Orton/Legacy bout and a Divas match, the WWE title match might go down to #5.

[St. Jimmy]

You open with the tag title crap to get that out of the way

[Mr. Pierre]

<font color=goldenrod>
1. Punk vs. Mysterio
2. MITB
3. Orton vs. DiBiase vs. Rhodes
4. Women's Title - Phoenix vs. McCool
5. HHH vs. Sheamus
6. World Heavyweight Title - Edge vs. Jericho
7. Hart vs. McMahon
8. Unified Tag Team Titles - Morrison/Truth vs. ShoMiz
9. WWE Title - Cena vs. Batista
Hall of Fame Segment
10. HBK vs. Taker

</font>

This is perfect IMO :y:. I know that this triple threat is the popular decision, but I just don't see it happening. I don't think I've ever seen a triple threat match happen without something on the line (title, #1 contendership, etc). So, I'm gonna go with Noid here and say that Kofi teams with Orton to face Legacy. But still, this card order is perfect to me.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Noid, I know that Kofi is probably going to end up with MITB but that idea is pretty good too, the tag match. It would be interesting, but how does it really come about?

Kofi Kingston is facing Cody Rhodes on RAW, or something. Ted DiBiase helps Rhodes out, and heel antics leads to a Legacy member victory. Legacy beat-down Kingston after the match, and Orton runs out for the save. Orton says he wants to face Legacy at WrestleMania and take out his own creation. Cue Stone Cold Steve Austin, who spouts some DTA advice, and tells Orton that he can face Legacy at WrestleMania, but he bets Kofi Kingston wants some revenge on them, too. The tag team match is signed.

That's not the best way to do it. I think they've left it a bit late -- but they've also fucked up all interest in a Triple Threat by putting over Rhodes & DiBiase as allies. Basically, Orton & Kingston don't want to be partners, but they both want to fuck-up Legacy.

[Jeritron]

Wrestlemania XXIII

Match #4:
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

World Heavyweight Champion Batista versus The Undertaker :-\


First of all, there were like 7 matches total on that card. Secondly, there were less main events overall.
Finally, Cena/Michaels was the Raw main event and clearly the bigger build.


I think you're delusional if you think Jericho/Edge takes priority to Cena/Batista in any way. As a matter of fact, I think it's common sense to realize that it likely closes the show.

[Jeritron]

I don't get this "but Edge won the Rumble" nonsense. How does that matter? Wrestling isn't real. Cena/Batista is the bigger match because they're the bigger stars/draws. It's really as simple as that. I think people who place such importance on who won the Rumble are marks for the gimmick, rather than realizing that it's just a gimmick to fuel one of the storylines every year. You can view things from the standpoint of kayfabe, but the reality is that there is a bigger picture.

Also, the Rumble winner has only closed the show once in the past 4 manias anyways.

[GD]

First of all, there were like 7 matches total on that card. Secondly, there were less main events overall.
Finally, Cena/Michaels was the Raw main event and clearly the bigger build.


I think you're delusional if you think Jericho/Edge takes priority to Cena/Batista in any way. As a matter of fact, I think it's common sense to realize that it likely closes the show.

There were eight matches at Wrestlemania 23.

No doubt, Batista versus Cena is a bigger match but I personally believe that Edge and Jericho should end the night.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don't get this "but Edge won the Rumble" nonsense. How does that matter? Wrestling isn't real. Cena/Batista is the bigger match because they're the bigger stars/draws. It's really as simple as that. I think people who place such importance on who won the Rumble are marks for the gimmick, rather than realizing that it's just a gimmick to fuel one of the storylines every year. You can view things from the standpoint of kayfabe, but the reality is that there is a bigger picture.

Also, the Rumble winner has only closed the show once in the past 4 manias anyways.

You're correct, but I think it sort of waters down the Rumble if the winner doesn't challenge last. And truthfully, I believe that the Rumble Winner should have challenged last in every scenario where the match was bumped.

* The first instance was in 2006, with Rey Mysterio winning. Not only do I think that Rey Mysterio should have headlined, but I think Orton should have been dropped from the match and we should have gotten Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio for the World Heavyweight Title. John Cena vs. Triple H could have been a tremendous secondary main event.

* 2007 saw The Undertaker and Batista fight in a match than many felt should have closed the show. Cena and HBK's "story" heading into WrestleMania 23 felt so forced to me. I can't even remember why they were fighting at Mania. Again, Cena retaining against a big face could have built him up lower on the card while two big men clashed in the main event.

* 2008 saw the Rumble title shot wasted at No Way Out, with Cena challenging Orton. I don't know what I would have done, but I completely expected the Triple Threat to close the show while Edge and The Undertaker worked lower on the card. I was surprised when Edge/Taker closed. Michael Cole and Jonathan Coachman closing the PPV on commentary felt weird to me.

* 2009 saw things return to normal -- almost. A heel winning the Royal Rumble was unusual, but Triple H vs. Randy Orton felt like it was destined to close.

To me, while there is the marketing case for Cena vs. Batista, I think this match is going to be huge wherever it is. Edge/Jericho opens the show and it feels paper-thin to me. Let the Canadians close the PPV, so that they feel like legitimate stars.

I'm actually curious to see how this PPV does in Canada, actually. Chris Jericho and Edge in a World Title match; Bret Hart beating up Vince McMahon and Christian being the favourite to win Money in the Bank (again...don't be shocked if he loses)...all this PPV needs is Natalya challenging for the Women's Title and Maryse defending the Divas Title against Trish Stratus.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah, Cena/Batista will likely be closing. I have no problem with that as it makes sense and the build has been great. However, much like last year, if Taker/HBK as as good as it was last year (or even better) the result will be me being too spent to care much about the last match or two. :o

Logic and past history suggest that Cena will definitely be winning, but given that WWE has a recent history of making Backlash just a series of WM re-matches regardless of who wins at the WM, the match could go either way. I keep forgetting that Batista is technically a SmackDown guy, so both belts are on that show again so they need to put one on Raw...and they certainly won't have Christian/Kofi/whoever run out and pin Jericho at WM. Any other PPV yes, but not WM.

Come to think...Batista/Cena almost certainly will continue on through Backlas one way or the other. Then the draft is the night after and they'll expect us to care about who's changing shows when you've had SmackDown wrestler Batista on Raw for the last 3 months.</font>

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think Batista has a better shot of retaining the WWE Championship than Chris Jericho does of the retaining the World Heavyweight Championship, I'll say that much.

[Mr Amazing]

Match 1) Tag title Match Winners: Morrison and R-Truth
Match 2) Puck vs Mysterio Winner: Mysterio
Match 3) HHH vs Sheamus Winner: HHH
Match 4) Divas Match
Match 5) Orton vs Legacy Winner: Orton
Match 6) Money in the Bank Winner :Christian
Match 7) Hart vs McMahon Winner : Hart
Hall of Fame Segment
Match 8)Cena vs Batista Winner : Cena
Match 9) Edge vs Jericho winner: Jericho
Main Event) HBK vs Taker Winner: Taker

The I have this order is cause i believe the Tag team match and Punk vs Mysterio both could be phenominal openers so i went 1,2 so the fans are already excited

I believe HHHvs Sheamus will be a good match but i think Orton and legacy and the Divas match will not be so i put them after three amazing matchs

I orginally had Money in the Bank as match number 8 so there will three amazing matches to close the show but that would be overkill so i put before Hart vs mcmahons one sided match

The last three matches all can be main events but Batista and Cena Going on last I believe Cena and Batista and Edge vs Jericho going on after HBK and Taker will be the same as last year where evevybody will be emotionally drained

HBK and Taker deserves to go on last not only cause its steak vs career but they are also the two of the most loyal superstars in wwe histroy and if it the end of the streak and/or undertaker retiring or HBK's career is over they deserve the lime light of the main event at wrestlmania

[Sixx]

For WrestleMania XVI:

1. The Big Boss Man and Bull Buchanan vs. The Godfather and D'Lo Brown
2. Hardcore Championship Battle Royal
3. T&A vs. Head Cheese
4. E&C vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz
5. Terri vs. The Kat
6. Too Cool & Chyna vs. The Radicalz
7. Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angel
8. Rikishi & Kane vs. DX
9. Triple H vs. The Rock vs. Mick Foley vs. The Big Show


IMO

Let's play tipsters.

[Jordan]

Well I would love for Goldust to be in MITB but it doesn't look like that will happen. Kofi will probably go in, and I imagine that Rhodes and Diabiase will get into it on Raw causing a triple threat as we all expected. Another handicapped match could work if they used an interesting gimmick.... it would be weird but maybe a dog collar match/chain match. I don't know.

I do like the idea of Kofi joining with Orton a little bit. It would be good for Kofi, but weaken Orton's importance at Wrestlemania I think.

I don't think there will be a diva's match this year. I don't think WWE will put 10 matches on the card, even for a four hour PPV that is pushing it for WWE.

[Mr Amazing]

You're correct, but I think it sort of waters down the Rumble if the winner doesn't challenge last. And truthfully, I believe that the Rumble Winner should have challenged last in every scenario where the match was bumped.

* The first instance was in 2006, with Rey Mysterio winning. Not only do I think that Rey Mysterio should have headlined, but I think Orton should have been dropped from the match and we should have gotten Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio for the World Heavyweight Title. John Cena vs. Triple H could have been a tremendous secondary main event.

* 2007 saw The Undertaker and Batista fight in a match than many felt should have closed the show. Cena and HBK's "story" heading into WrestleMania 23 felt so forced to me. I can't even remember why they were fighting at Mania. Again, Cena retaining against a big face could have built him up lower on the card while two big men clashed in the main event.

* 2008 saw the Rumble title shot wasted at No Way Out, with Cena challenging Orton. I don't know what I would have done, but I completely expected the Triple Threat to close the show while Edge and The Undertaker worked lower on the card. I was surprised when Edge/Taker closed. Michael Cole and Jonathan Coachman closing the PPV on commentary felt weird to me.

* 2009 saw things return to normal -- almost. A heel winning the Royal Rumble was unusual, but Triple H vs. Randy Orton felt like it was destined to close.

To me, while there is the marketing case for Cena vs. Batista, I think this match is going to be huge wherever it is. Edge/Jericho opens the show and it feels paper-thin to me. Let the Canadians close the PPV, so that they feel like legitimate stars.

I'm actually curious to see how this PPV does in Canada, actually. Chris Jericho and Edge in a World Title match; Bret Hart beating up Vince McMahon and Christian being the favourite to win Money in the Bank (again...don't be shocked if he loses)...all this PPV needs is Natalya challenging for the Women's Title and Maryse defending the Divas Title against Trish Stratus.

if wrestlmania was in Canada icould see maryse winning the divas title natalya winning the womens title Christian winning money in the bankand cashing it in for the wwe title then tyson kidd and david hart smith winning tag titles edge winning whc hart winning his match and jericho breaking kayfabe and all celebrating in the ring simular to Benoit and guerrero did at wrestlmania 20

I am canadian so i wouldn't mind seeing this at any wrestlmania especially if it was in Canada

[wehavebensavedy2j]

Match 1: Orton vs Legacy (good opener)
Match 2: Money In the Bank (always one of the 1st 2)
Match 3: Punk vs Mysterio (standard midcard match)
Match 4: ShowMiz vs Truth & Morrison (should open the show but will prolly be in the middle)
Match 5: Triple H vs Sheamus (should also be at the beginning but wont)
Some Diva Bullshit aka halftime
Match 6: Edge vs Chris Jericho (best match of the night but wont close)
Match 7: Bret Hart vs Vinny Mac (could see this closing but dont see a whole lot of wrestling going on)
Match 8: HBK vs Undertaker (Could see it ending which would add to the hype, but if HBK loses this will let him get his ovation before the show)
Match 9: Batista vs John Cena (will prolly end just cuz of Cena)

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>It's official, Legacy triple threat match. And it seems like a 99% certainty that there will be 9 men in MITB.

Kofi is this year's biggest WM snub by far. But, I guess there IS one every year.</font>

[Jeritron]

Kofi could easily get put into the match next week. Actually, it makes sense to have a last chance battle royal on the final Raw going into Mania.

Maybe he'll get snubbed, but I still wouldn't rule him out

[Mr. Nerfect]

It seems like Kofi will make Money in the Bank, which I feel is weak. He'll do some cool stuff in the match no doubt, but I think ten men, even though it seems silly to think so, is just a tad too much for the match. I liked Drew bending the rules because it fits his gimmick. Kofi getting in after just being squashed by Batista would be weird and water down the match right now, I feel.

I'd much rather they do Triple H, Randy Orton & Kofi Kingston vs. Sheamus & Legacy at Mania somehow. Do the individual Triple H vs. Sheamus and Legacy Triple Threat at Extreme Rules. But assuming they don't do that, the least awkward way to get Kofi on the card, in my opinion, is for Theodore Long to put The Miz in an impromtu US Title defense (as he has been doing) against Kingston. Kofi wins his second US Title, and continues being a mid-carder.

[Mr. C]

The current plan is for the Tag Team Championship Match to open WrestleMania, followed by Money In The Bank. Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon will go around the middle of the show. No decision has been made as to whether Batista vs. John Cena, Chris Jericho vs. Edge, or Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker goes last. The expected announce team is Jerry Lawler, Jim Ross, and Michael Cole.

Source: Figure 4 Weekly

[The Franchise]

BAH GAWD YES!

[The Franchise]

Edge/Jericho should not go on last. Not only is it the least "big" of those three, it's also the one with the poorest build. I say do Taker/HBK but I'd be OK with Cena/Batista.

[Mr. C]

Via Dave Meltzer

The order of the matches is still undecided. As of yesterday, the two matches to close the show were Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon second from last, followed by Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker. There’s even considering of Hart vs. McMahon going last. There’s enough opposition to that, because people remember last year when Michaels vs. Undertaker didn’t go last, and Randy Orton and Triple-H blamed that on their match not getting over.

[The Franchise]

What? Did they not report Bret vs Vince going in the middle of the card like a week ago? That would be stupid. Just put Taker vs Michaels last, FFS. Did they not learn anything from WM X8 and last year?

[dronepool]

I think it'll be good like this- with HBK closing and the tag team match opening.

HBK vs Undertaker (last)
Cena vs Batista
Edge vs Jericho
Vince vs Bret Hart
Triple H vs Sheamus
4 minutes of Diva Bullshit
Orton/Legacy
Money In The Bank
Rey vs CM Punk
Tag Team Match (first)

[Droford]

CM Punk vs Rey Mysterio
The Miz Show vs Truth and Wisdom
Money in the Bank
Randy Orton vs Cody Rhodes vs Ted Dibiase
Sheamus vs HHH
Vince McMahon vs Bret Hart
John Cena vs Batista
HBK vs The Undertaker
Edge vs Chris Jericho

[Mr. Nerfect]

I still maintain that it is a bad idea to close to Undertaker/HBK. Like Austin turning heel at X-7; yes, it will be an awesome moment; but yes, so many fans will be pissed off. Close with one of the title matches, to show that the world keeps on spinning.

Many are against it, but I think Jericho and Edge look crappy if they do not close the show. No one is going to look down on Cena/Batista because they don't. For some reason, Jericho/Edge closing just feels right to me. Prior to them, do the WWE Championship match. And before that, you've got the Divas match which is the "cool down" spot after Taker/Michaels. Prior to these two fighting, I think it would be touching to do the Hall of Fame stuff, which I think should follow Bret Hart and Vince McMahon's match.

Opening the show, you do the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship match, as you've got four very over competitors, a good match, and a potential title change to kick off the show. After that, you've got Money in the Bank, which is usually inserted pretty earlier into the night. I'd then to an impromtu US Title defense for The Miz, which I think would be an interesting thing to include in the show -- possibly with Daniel Bryan winning the US Title on a stage where all eyes are watching.

After that, do a heavier RAW match, most likely the Triple Threat. Then you can do Rey/CM Punk, and the last one to slip in is Triple H/Sheamus. So you end up with a match order like:

1. ShoMiz vs. John Morrison & R-Truth for the Unified WWE Tag Team Titles
2. Money in the Bank Ladder Match
3. The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan for the US Title (in a perfect world)
4. Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase
5. CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio
6. Triple H vs. Sheamus
7. Vince McMahon vs. Bret Hart
8. Hall of Fame
9. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels
10. Divas Tag Team Match
11. Batista vs. John Cena for the WWE Title
12. Money in the Bank gets cashed in for the WWE Title?
13. Chris Jericho vs. Edge for the World Heavyweight Title

[Jakob Synn]

Remember last year when they ended with Orton vs HHH?

I had a friend who was there and he told me he and a lot of people left during that match.

The WWE would honestly be smart to put the Taker vs Shawn match last, though I fully disagree and belive that Jericho vs Edge should be the headlining match, because the winner of the Rumble is guaranteed the headlining match at Wrestlemania, so it fits, but I also think with the severity of the Taker/Shawn match that it could be last.

[Jeritron]

The winner is guarunteed a title shot at Wrestlemania. They use the term "headline" and "main event" for both title matches, because it sounds better.
Since the split, it's never been consistent that the rumble winner close the show and I don't know where this impression comes from.

[Jeritron]

The rumble winner not closing the show also dates back to 1992, 1995, 1997 and 1999.

[Jakob Synn]

I know, but it mainly happens.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The winner is guarunteed a title shot at Wrestlemania. They use the term "headline" and "main event" for both title matches, because it sounds better.
Since the split, it's never been consistent that the rumble winner close the show and I don't know where this impression comes from.

This is true, but it would be tidier. And besides, since I've started watching, every time the Rumble winner doesn't close the show, I feel that they should have, anyway.

[Jakob Synn]

This is true, but it would be tidier. And besides, since I've started watching, every time the Rumble winner doesn't close the show, I feel that they should have, anyway.

Orton did last year

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yeah, wasn't really the point, but I'm glad he did. As opposed to...what was the other title match? Ah, Edge vs. Cena vs. Big Show. Yeah, Triple H vs. Orton should have closed. The match should have just been better. Also, while the decision to put Triple H over was right on paper, the natural flow to the match would have been to push Orton a bit harder, and really make him the central villain of the WWE over the next year.

[Jakob Synn]

I guess it also didn't help that a lot of the matches before the Orton/HHH match were really stellar.

I know a lot of people felt that match lacked due to the fact there was special stipulation and I agree. I mean I ordered the pay-per-view and actually turned it off during that match due to the fact I just didn't give a good god damn.

[Mr. Nerfect]

That's exactly where I sat, too. I know a lot of people thought the lead-in to Triple H vs. Randy Orton was awesome, and yes, Orton was on fire as a heel at that point in time; but to be honest, those two working together just doesn't do it for me. It's not exciting. And regardless of how awesome their program was, there wasn't anything "fresh" about it. Triple H and Randy Orton have been associated together since about 2003, and had actually been opponents at WrestleMania the year prior. Austin and Rock even took two years between each WrestleMania match.

Now I'm not saying that Edge and Jericho are bigger stars than Triple H and Randy Orton (they're not, sadly), but I think that they provide a fresher match-up, and the style they would work is something that is easier to get excited about. Both Triple H and Orton slow their pace right down, and that's not the sort of thing you want to see when you are already exhausted. Edge and Jericho would work a style that I think would keep butts in seats. Jericho is also a fantastic heel to the point where you actually want to stay and see him lose. Orton was a "cool heel." Him challenging was also a weird dynamic, because normally the story is seeing the good guy get his big win, but Triple H was already winner heading into the match. All the drama was personal.

[GD]

Sheamus
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^ This.

[Mr. C]

As of yesterday afternoon, officials were still going over the match order for tonight’s WrestleMania XXVI. There’s been talk this weekend of having Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon as the last match, but they still haven’t decided.

Source: F4Wonline.com