Chris Jericho vs. Dolph Ziggler
This could have been, should have been such a bigger deal than it likely will be. I've been saying it since Money in the Bank: an easy way for Jericho to gain his desired exit from WWE would have been to put his career on the line against Mr. Ziggles' Money in the Bank briefcase. It's the perfect tie-in for their feud, as Dolph cliams Y2J can no longer "get the job done". Why not get him one last chance to prove himself, but with the twist that he has to offer up his carrer first?
Instead we're just going to get one fantastic wrestling match between two of my favorite wrestlers. Obviously I have no problem with that. Jericho has an affinity for stealing shows in the same vein as the legendary Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat, etc. Dolph Ziggler seems poised to be the next guy in that line; he really should get the win here. What a night for Dolph if he could move past Jericho to cash-in and become World Champion in the same night!
Prediction: Dolph Ziggler wins
UNLESS… The thought crossed my mind that the World Title could open the show, again. If Ziggler manages to cash-in and become Champion, and then is persuaded by Jericho to put it all on the line in their match… I still have to go with Ziggler. And yes, they still totally could add Y2J's career to the mix. And they should.
World Heavyweight Championship
Sheamus (c) vs. Alberto del Rio
I'm going to give these guys "Most Improved Feud of the Year" for adding so much enjoyment to their work in the last few weeks. I'm not high on either Sheamus or Del Rio; I like them both, but neither have been performing up the standards I've seen them set in the past. But together these two have excellent chemistry and are putting on great matches!
Many have complained about the odd twist in WWE taking off the match, only to put it back on a week later with no added stipulation. It wasn't the most brilliant move I've seen out of creative, but it made sense within the context of the situation. I'd believe a lot of people to take issue never actually watched either Smackdown episode. Of course we knew it was coming, but it was a nice touch having the Champion demand the match be put back on, despite sustaining injury. "You'd have to rip me arm off, and even then that wouldn't stop me competing in this ring!" Good stuff from Sheamus.
I know it's likely that their feud culminates tonight, but I wouldn't mind one or two more. Particularly with Hell in a Cell coming up in two months, they might actually be able to build their rivalry enough to merit the demonic structure. I do think it's odd that there's no gimmick added to this match; with how much Sheamus and 'Berty hate each other, I feel it's almost necessary. Regardless, I'm excted (and truthfully shocked) that I'm looking forward to this encounter, and I hope we see a 4-star match!
Prediction: Sheamus retains
