8 person MITB? *Potential Wrestlemania Spoilers*

[KingofOldSchool]

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

- There will be eight participants in this year’s Wrestlemania Money in the Bank match.

- The direction of the Undertaker vs. Batista match has apparently changed. The original idea was for Batista to end the Undertaker’s Wrestlemania winning streak, but now, it appears more likely that the Undertaker will prevail at Wrestlemania 23.

- As things stand, Mick Foley is not planned to have a role at Wrestlemania. He had tried to get a match for the event, which would have made sense with his “The Hardcore Diaries” book coming out early next month.

WOOOO TAKER

[Xero]

Thank God...

[Splaya]

8 person MITB...Holy shit, I cannot wait

Taker over Batista...Thank god

Foley not at WM....:(

[KingofOldSchool]

Don't you think 8 people is a little over kill in that kind of match when tag teams aren't involved?

[Xero]

It'll be a cluster fuck, but it at least gives more people the opportunity to be in it and get a spot on Mania.

[SammyG]

Stil debating on whether I'm gonna watch it.

[KingofOldSchool]

It'll be a cluster fuck, but it at least gives more people the opportunity to be in it and get a spot on Mania.

But is giving 2 more people spots on the show worth risking a potential MOTY?

[lort]

It'll probably be a cluster fuck but it's worth trying just to see if they can make it work. If they do pull it off it will be great fun.

[XL]

But is giving 2 more people spots on the show worth risking a potential MOTY?
Depends who those two people are!

And they so should have booked Foley vs Umaga. (Although you'd think that would lead to an Umaga win and a bald Trump - which ain't gonna happen)

[Loose Cannon]

But is giving 2 more people spots on the show worth risking a potential MOTY?

yea, but you have to look at it the other way as they're trying to get as many people thier Mania pay check

[Caged Heat18]

I guess it's good to give two more people a pay day. Maybe Matt Hardy will get a spot in the match now, which I think he deserves. I'd rather them stick to the traditional match, but maybe it the match will be even better this year. And I hope they stick with a Taker win and don't decide to go back to Batista.

[Jeritron]

8 people isn't too much. It's pushing the limit, but it's not too much. Theres been amazing ladder matches with 8 participants before. It depends on how the wrestlers handle it. 2 isn't a hell of a lot more than 6, you just gotta keep the participants busy at all times. have 2 guys fight to the stage area and do a big spot there, presto you're in business.

Granted the 8 man ladder matches of the past involved tag teams, but that doesn't matter. In a free for all they're working together with other wrestlers at various points, so for all intents and purposes its basically the same thing.

[Jeritron]

http://www.wwe.com/content/media/touts/splash/images/4254264 (http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/)

well, one of these 2 is in the MITB and the other isn't. I think it's fairly obvious who'll win this one. Seems like those action figure "spoilers" are turning out to be true.

[DAMN iNATOR]

- The direction of the Undertaker vs. Batista match has apparently changed. The original idea was for Batista to end the Undertaker’s Wrestlemania winning streak, but now, it appears more likely that the Undertaker will prevail at Wrestlemania 23.

I'm not holding my breath, though. Things change quicker in WWE than the weather conditions where I live.

[Caged Heat18]

http://www.wwe.com/content/media/touts/splash/images/4254264 (http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/)

well, one of these 2 is in the MITB and the other isn't. I think it's fairly obvious who'll win this one. Seems like those action figure "spoilers" are turning out to be true.

I don't get why the WWE would want to keep Benjamin out of this. He has performed real well in the first two MITB matches, and especially with there being eight people in it.

[Jeritron]

he'll probably be in a tag match

[Londoner]

Fuck i thought the reason for there being 8 would be to get BOTH Shelton and Jeff in then further down the page i see they're facing each other, that's stupid since these two could both make this match a classic, though i definately think 8 man could be better than 6.

Oh and how typically stupid would that be of WWE to have Batista going over Taker? Not only does that make Takers streak meaningless, it does no good for the future of this business.

[Jeritron]

yea but what about their tag partners? Thats a slap in the face to not give them the paycheck. Shelton should be in a WGTT match of some kind with L&K and MNM.

Matt and Jeff should both be in MITB
Edge
Orton
Booker
CM Punk
Kennedy
Jeff Hardy
Matt Hardy
Kenny Dykstra

[ChiefStubbs]

My personal picks for the last three:
Sabu
Matt Hardy
Shelton Benjamin

[Londoner]

^ Makes more sense to have Jeff in it this year other than Shelton. It's pretty obvious that Jeff's gonna win since that's why he lost the IC title recently.

[Jeritron]

I don't know if thats why at all. Maybe because they wanted Umaga to have a belt to compliment Lashleys, and to make him look strong. And to get the title off Jeff for a variety of other reasons.

I want Jeff to win, and I can see it happening, but I have a hard time believing they plan on having him win it when Edge and Orton are in there too.

[Destor]

- The direction of the Undertaker vs. Batista match has apparently changed. The original idea was for Batista to end the Undertaker’s Wrestlemania winning streak, but now, it appears more likely that the Undertaker will prevail at Wrestlemania 23.

Bullshit. I really doubt that. Way to cover your ass though.

[ChiefStubbs]

^ Makes more sense to have Jeff in it this year other than Shelton. It's pretty obvious that Jeff's gonna win since that's why he lost the IC title recently.
No, I mean you would have:
Booker
Edge
Cm Punk
Matt Hardy
Jeff Hardy
Shelton Benjamin
Sabu
Kennedy

[Arnold HamNegger]

Seeing as how the first two winners used the MITB to challenge Cena, I wouldn't be surprised if this year's winner went after the Smackdown champ after Mania. Maybe Kennedy or Booker T? Although logically, there's no way in hell that anyone in their right mind would rather face Undertaker than Cena....but that's why it makes perfect sense for it to happen in WWE.

Although, I'd really like to see Booker win and move to Raw. Raw needs a solid heel and I think he could have a great feud with either Cena or HBK.

[DAMN iNATOR]

- The direction of the Undertaker vs. Batista match has apparently changed. The original idea was for Batista to end the Undertaker’s Wrestlemania winning streak, but now, it appears more likely that the Undertaker will prevail at Wrestlemania 23.

Bullshit. I really doubt that. Way to cover your ass though.

You mean you're calling bullshit to the whole thing, or just the part you emphasized in bold print?

[Destor]

BOLD

[Xero]

Italicized

[Destor]

Underlined

[Xero]

<s>Stricken Through</s>

[Destor]

Encoded

[Xero]

010000100110100101101110011000010111001001111001

[Londoner]

Seeing as how the first two winners used the MITB to challenge Cena, I wouldn't be surprised if this year's winner went after the Smackdown champ after Mania. Maybe Kennedy or Booker T? Although logically, there's no way in hell that anyone in their right mind would rather face Undertaker than Cena....but that's why it makes perfect sense for it to happen in WWE.


Remember though, they could always leave it until Taker or Cena lose their titles as they can leave it until anytime before WM.

[The Optimist]

Two scenarios come to mind, actually more.

Booker wins it, Booker and Kennedy fight over it in a best of seven that sees Kennedy seem to win in the seventh but the decision gets over-turned and Booker challenges probably at the King of the Ring.

Orton or Edge wins, they fight that out for a while and end Rated RKO.

[Destor]

How about Orton AND Edge win? Yeah. A tie in a ladder match match. That would be kinda cool, just for prosperity.

[Destor]

010000100110100101101110011000010111001001111001MY MOTHER WAS A SAINT!

[Corkscrewed]

Good news to hear Batista losing. I hope it holds true.

[Arnold HamNegger]

Remember though, they could always leave it until Taker or Cena lose their titles as they can leave it until anytime before WM.

True. I just hope they don't have the winner hold onto it as long as Edge did though. I know he ended up winning the title, but that seriously made him seem like a gigantic puss bag.

With the way Kennedy has been getting owned, I could see him winning and cashing in at Mania following the Batista/Taker match....only to lose.

[Londoner]

^ I think its too soon for Kennedy to win it, he should win it next year as a face, and I wouldn't give it to King Booker as the purpose of this is to create new stars, so the only logical choice really is Cm Punk. I could see them using this as a way to move CM Punk over to Raw actually.

[The Optimist]

Lol. I like that you think he could get the MitB because he's losing. . .then lose when he cashes in the title shot.

[Arnold HamNegger]

Well, if Punk does win..I hope to GOD they don't have him waste it on challenging Lashley for the ECW title. Seeing as how Vince is intent on pushing ECW at the moment, this could happen. Although, I can't really see them wasting the MITB storyline on ECW.

I'd like to see Punk on Raw. Straight Edged Punk vs. Fallen Coked Up Angel HBK? Hey, a man can dream right....

[Arnold HamNegger]

Lol. I like that you think he could get the MitB because he's losing. . .then lose when he cashes in the title shot.

Lol, well...tell me it doesn't make perfect sense in WWE logic? Take what was intended to make new stars, but use it as a vehicle to actually make an upcoming star seem weaker.

[The Optimist]

I wasn't saying that it was false or totally not going to happen, I just appreciate the comedy of it. I would appreciate the comedy of it if it happened too, just way after I got over my terrible anger.

[The Optimist]

Lol, I used to dream about Straight Edge Punk vs. Pot Fiend RVD. I don't anymore. :(

[Londoner]

Hmmm, its possible that RVD could win the title from Lashley in a triple threat match with Holly or someone, and we could see RVD v CM Punk before RVD leaves WWE...wishful thinking I know!

[Arnold HamNegger]

I wasn't saying that it was false or totally not going to happen, I just appreciate the comedy of it. I would appreciate the comedy of it if it happened too, just way after I got over my terrible anger.

How about the comedy of Eugene winning MITB, but using it to cash in on the Cruiserweight title? :lol:

[The Optimist]

TL: No, Vince is sucking Lashley too hard to let Rob beat him even/especially on his way out.

Arnold: With that there would be no comedy, or at least much much more terrible anger.

[Arnold HamNegger]

How about Eugene winning MITB, then showing up on Impact to challenge for the X Division Title?

Eugene: But Vince, you said "any title" and the X-Division is special!


....if I can be serious for a minute...

Back to ECW, I agree with TL. I seriously can't believe these idiots haven't somehow worked an RVD/Punk feud. I know Vince is hung up on Lashley, but you can't ignore the shitty ratings. For the love of god, it doesn't take a genius to listen to the crowd popping and figure out who your two most over stars are. Being a stubborn asshole and not giving the fans what they want on an already successful show is one thing, but being a stubborn asshole on a failing show is just stupid.

Even if RVD is gonna leave WWE, a feud can still be booked so that it rubs Punk huge and makes him a bigger star. (Yeah, that sounds kinda gay, but I'm too lazy to change it.) As of now for Mania, there's no ECW title defense, no RVD and Punk will probably be eliminated midway through MITB. That's just pathetic.

[The Optimist]

I may mark out for Eugene challenging Tazz for the FTW Championship.

[KingofOldSchool]

Eugene challenging Lance Storm for the Saskatchewan Hardcore International Title.

[The Optimist]

How about Eugene winning MITB, then showing up on Impact to challenge for the X Division Title?

Eugene: But Vince, you said "any title" and the X-Division is special!


....if I can be serious for a minute...

Back to ECW, I agree with TL. I seriously can't believe these idiots haven't somehow worked an RVD/Punk feud. I know Vince is hung up on Lashley, but you can't ignore the shitty ratings. For the love of god, it doesn't take a genius to listen to the crowd popping and figure out who your two most over stars are. Being a stubborn asshole and not giving the fans what they want on an already successful show is one thing, but being a stubborn asshole on a failing show is just stupid.

Even if RVD is gonna leave WWE, a feud can still be booked so that it rubs Punk huge and makes him a bigger star. (Yeah, that sounds kinda gay, but I'm too lazy to change it.) As of now for Mania, there's no ECW title defense, no RVD and Punk will probably be eliminated midway through MITB. That's just pathetic.
Lol, that would actually be agreeing with me not TL. TL was pushing for Punk vs. Micheals, I was pushing for the lost cause that is called Punk vs. Van Dam.

Just saying.

[Jeritron]

Hopefully Matt and Jeff are in this and they hype up the history of them and Edge.

Jeff has been in the most ladder matches of any WWE wrestler ever, so they should build that too. Edge is right behind him tho, and Matt aint far behind him either.

I'm willing to bet money on them using the spot where Edge spears Jeff in mid air while hanging on the briefcase.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Jeritron has hit the nail on the head as far as predicitions go, in my opinion:

Edge
CM Punk
King Booker
Jeff Hardy
Mr. Kennedy
Matt Hardy
Kenny Dykstra
Randy Orton

MNM will likely challenge Paul London & Brian Kendrick for the WWE Tag Team Championship, as their ladies are feuding for the Women's Title. I like some of the dynamics in this MITB.

You have two tag teams in there. Rated-RKO and The Hardys could actually establish a feud between themselves in this match. That's the kind of program that could elevate both Matt and Jeff to the main event scene. I'm kind of bitter about Edge losing his WrestleMania streak, but he really wouldn't have been a compelling MITB winner, anyway.

I think we can also rule out Orton and The Hardys, simply because they are just there to lend star-factor and Ladder Match experience to the mix.

CM Punk or King Booker won't win. Booker is just there for star power, and Punk will likely be involved in some fun spots, just so Finlay can whack off in the back, but not win the match. That leaves us with two participants:

Mr. Kennedy and Kenny Dykstra. Edge is kind of a darkhorse with his WrestleMania streak, but I get the feeling the WWE will end it. Kennedy winning would be the predictable route, as he has proven himself in main events, and it seems his time to really step up. He could also do a lot with the briefcase and fits the "Mr. Money in the Bank" persona. I think Kenny winning would actually be more interesting, though. Everyone just kills themselves in the final minutes of the match, trying to get the briefcase, but then Kenny just climbs after his opponents have taken themselves out, and retrieves the briefcase. He's young, he hasn't held the IC or US Title, but I think the WWE would be willing to give him a crack at the main event.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The qualifying matches should be a lot of fun. I see Matt Hardy beating Charlie Haas, in similar fashion to how Jeff beat Shelton Benjamin. Mr. Kennedy and Chris Benoit have proven to be able to work sweet matches, so I'd let them go at it. Kenny Dykstra vs. Super Crazy seems like the obvious match, and it should be a lot of fun. Randy Orton will probably go over an ECW guy. Maybe Sabu, just so he can say he killed a "Hardcore Legend".

[Jeritron]

I'm actually really excited for this match.

[Jeritron]

L&K versus MNM sounds great, never considered that dynamic with their escorts fueding as well.

L&K vs MNM would be a great match, and I wouldn't want to put a damper on it. But theres room to conserve space on the card and break those matches down to one. A mixed tag where L&K put their tag titles on the line against Melina's women's championship. The winning team takes all 3 belts.

Then you could save a spot on the card for another match. It's a shame WGTT probably won't get a match. Wouldn't be suprised if they worked a match with Duece and Domino or Cryme Tyme on heat or something.

[KingofOldSchool]

They should do a double jeopardy tag team title match. It'd be kinda like what they did at Wrestlemania 2000 with the European and IC Titles. Have London and Kendrick defend their tag titles and say WGTT (who beat Cena and HBK a few weeks prior) defend their tag titles in one tag team scramble match. The winners of the first pinfall are for The World's Greatest Tag Team's titles, the second pinfall are fpr The Hooliganz's tag titles.

The teams would look like this...

WGTT (champions)
The Hooliganz (champions)
Cryme Tyme
Deuce and Domino
MNM
Cade and Murdoch
Regal and Taylor

Have Cryme Tyme win the titles from WGTT by pinning Lance Cade. And then The Hooliganz retain their titles by pinning Dave Taylor.

[the wwe champion]

rather watch a sexy blue film no interesting main events.

Related to the main events:

1. Cena has pinned HBK at Taboo Tuesday 2005.

2. Taker eliminated Batista during the 2003 Royal Rumble.

[Jeritron]

okay and Austin wrestled the Rock in singles matches and royal rumbles in the years prior to them tearing the house down in 3 wrestlemania matches. What's your point?

[mrslackalack]

okay and Austin wrestled the Rock in singles matches and royal rumbles in the years prior to them tearing the house down in 3 wrestlemania matches. What's your point?

:y:

Plus, Cena/HHH main event most of the house shows during the summer of 05 and it ended up being the WM 22 ME.

[El Fangel]

It'll be a cluster fuck, but it at least gives more people the opportunity to be in it and get a spot on Mania.

[El Fangel]

I'm willing to bet money on them using the spot where Edge spears Jeff in mid air while hanging on the briefcase.
Seeing as how 99% Of fans likely have forgotten that, they will fo it...Twice.

[Destor]

When has the MitB NOT been a clusterfuck?

[Theo Dious]

When has the MitB NOT been a clusterfuck?

When has any ladder match involving more than two people not been a clusterfuck?

[Arnold HamNegger]

Lol, that would actually be agreeing with me not TL. TL was pushing for Punk vs. Micheals, I was pushing for the lost cause that is called Punk vs. Van Dam.

Just saying.


Hmmm, its possible that RVD could win the title from Lashley in a triple threat match with Holly or someone, and we could see RVD v CM Punk before RVD leaves WWE...wishful thinking I know!

http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~st167714/mackey.jpg
Optimist, drugs are bad Mmmkay.

[the Illusionist]

Booker T is an odd fit. So is Edge, unless Orton is involved. Even then...

I'd like to see
-Mr.Kennedy
-Johnny Nitro
-Shelton Benjamin
-Rob Van Dam
-CM Punk
-Rey Mysterio
-Matt Hardy
-Carlito

Not gonna happen, but this match should be more about athletic guys getting their shot at a push elavated.

[Jeritron]

half of those guys have been eliminated in qualifying matches.

http://www.wwe.com/content/media/images/3883682/4263160

It's pretty obvious Orton will fill out the 6th spot. As for the wildcard 7th and 8th spots, I think Matt Hardy is a safe assumption. As for the other spot, I'd say Carlito but I predict a flair match. So I'm gonna say Dykstra.

Benoit would be a good pic too but I assume he'll defend his US title against somebody.

[Caged Heat18]

It's a pretty interesting group of five right now, but I agree with all the choices right now.

[El Fangel]

MNM will likely challenge Paul London & Brian Kendrick for the WWE Tag Team Championship, as their ladies are feuding for the Women's Title. I like some of the dynamics in this MITB.
.
Kind of sad that an upper-midcard match has more storyline, glamour, and intrigue then the main events.

[Jeritron]

I agree with all the choices too. Once you get the remaining 3 spots in there its like wow, what a lineup.

Should be a great match. But I still feel a little off about it having so much talent in one match. Thats a lot of young talent to be all used up on one spot on the card.
You got your top 3 heel main eventers/former world champions, 2 of which are the future. (Edge, Booker, Orton)
You're using your only credible tag team with drawing power. (The Hardys)
And you have 2 of your fastest rising stars. (Kennedy, CM Punk)

That match is stacked with talent.

I just hope they don't go and put Benoit in there. It'd be great for the match, and I'd mark out harder for this bout. But then you're putting another former champion and your current US champion in there when he doesn't need to be. The match is plenty credible, and you don't need another top star and championship left off the card.

I just hope they give this match a half hour. And bust out the tables and chairs too.

[Jeritron]

The more I think about it, maybe Benoit will end up in there....
Unless he challenges MVP or Finlay he doesn't have much competition for the US belt with Kennedy and Booker in there already.
Plus this match has 4 top heels. and a 5th midcard heel if Dykstra gets in. Then you really only have CM Punk and Jeff as your faces.
Wouldn't suprise me if they looked to balance this match off by putting a top face in there instead.

[Jeritron]

********Spoilers from Smackdown regarding Money In the Bank ******








Matt Hardy defeated Joey Mercury
Finlay defeated Benoit and MVP in a triple threat

Matt Hardy and Finlay advance to the MITB match. That leaves one spot open, clearly Orton.
Looks like we'll get Benoit vs MVP for the US title. kinda lame.






*****END SPOILERS*******

[SammyG]

2 words..

MISTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA KKKKEEENNEEEEDDYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[Jeritron]

It's a shame that Edge is in this. Because now with his undefeated streak on the line, and the outside chance of him pulling the swirve, I have to root for him. I just have to.

If he and Orton were in a singles match, I could just root for Edge to go over Orton. And then with 2 other stars in the MITB, I could root for Kennedy, Punk and Jeff.
sucks

[SammyG]

..kennedy.

[Jeritron]

hahah they better build Kennedy right. Please don't turn him a face when he gets to the brink of being over like they did with Orton.

It'd be absolutely money to see a heel Mr. Kennedy as champion. I'd love to see Jericho face fued with Kennedy heel. Seems like it'd be an excellent fued.

[Jeritron]

..kennedy.

[Jeritron]

this money in the bank is the only reason to watch wrestlemania. Seriously, half of the talent I like in WWE is in this match.

[SammyG]

There's only really 2 words why you should watch MITB.



MIIISTAAAAAAAA KKEEEEEEEEEEENNNEEEEDYYYYYYYYYYY

[Jeritron]

keep it in the other thread haha

this is about Money in the Bank


as for him, see Thread Kennedys

[The Optimist]

Plus, he does actually pronounce the end of Mister.

Unlike



KING BOOOKAAAAHHHH

[The Optimist]

Yeah, I know that didn't make sense.

[The Optimist]

http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~st167714/mackey.jpg
Optimist, drugs are bad Mmmkay.Look at my reply right above TL's. Him talking about RVD is in reply to me.