More on Randy Ortons Suspension

According to the Wrestling-Observer Newsletter, the final incident occurred at some point in Chicago—it is being called a “near disaster,” and the feeling is that if Orton were not a top name, he would have been fired for his actions.

But by no means was this an isolated incident. It was Orton’s behavior that initially prompted WWE management to give Kurt Angle the title vacated by Batista.

And, while Orton avoided a suspension due to being booked for the WrestleMania main-event, an incident after No Way Out forced WWE to nix giving him the title at the ‘Mania pay-per-view.

These individual incidents only increased management’s disapproval of Orton’s behavior; he was specifically notorious for disrepecting female WWE workers.

Although the feeling is that by posting news of his suspension, WWE is practically confirming Randy Orton will come back, other insiders are not so sure that is the case and are even less sure that it will be in sixty days. There is already feeling within WWE that SmackDown! needs to create a new top heel; a returning Ken Kennedy could receive the chance to fill that slot.

Review of Wrestlemania 22

Match 1
World Tag Team Championship
Kane & Big Show (c) vs. Chris Masters & Carlito

Sheriffs Prediction: Chris Masters & Carlito win
Correct?: No. Kane & Big Show win.

The Finish: Show picked up Carlito by the throat but Masters hit a chop block from behind. Kane grabbed both men by the throat but they fought him off. Kane nailed a big boot to Masters and then an uppercut to Carlito and went for the chokeslam but Masters came in off the top, however he nailed Carlito by mistake. Kane sent Masters to the outside and then gave Carlito the chokeslam for the win.

Sheriffs Verdict: An average bout, definitely passable but never anything to bring the house down. However, with the Spirit Squad winning the titles the night after on Raw, well, that was just ridiculous.

Match 2
Money In The Bank Ladder Match
Bobby Lashley vs. Finlay vs. Matt Hardy vs.Shelton Benjamin vs. Ric Flair vs. Rob Van Dam

Sheriffs Prediction: Lashley win
Correct?: No. RVD win

The Finish: ECW chants filled the arena as Van Dam started to climb and he has a hand on the case but then Benjamin came from nowhere and landed right on the ladder! Benjamin nailed right hands and then Hardy set up a ladder next to it and started to climb but Benjamin nailed him and went over to that ladder and they traded shots, but RVD tipped it and both toppled to the outside! RVD is on top of the ladder and grabbed the case.

Sheriffs Verdict: Thoroughly enjoyable, no doubt all the wrestlers were sore after that. The second best bout of the evening. All four commentators were on as well, and to be fair did a good job.

Match 3
United States Championship Match
Bradshaw Layfield vs. Chris Benoit (c)

Sheriffs Prediction: JBL win
Correct?: Yes.

The Finish: Benoit covered but Bradshaw kicked up at two. Benoit missed a splash in the corner and went for a German but Bradshaw grabbed the referee to block it. Benoit then walked into a back elbow and Bradshaw went for the Clothesline from Hell but Benoit side stepped and went for the Crossface. He got it locked in and Bradshaw rolled it over and grabbed the ropes and the referee counted the pin.

Sheriffs Verdict: Again, passable. This was mainly due to Benoit, who never really has poor matches. I think JBL may have a good run with the belt, as I predicted in the preview. From a pure entertainment point of view that would no doubt be a good thing, though from a wrestling point of view, not so much.

Match 4
Hardcore Match
Mick Foley vs. Edge

Sheriffs Prediction: Edge win.
Correct?: Yes.

The Finish: Foley wrenched barbwire across the forehead of Edge, and then he grabbed the lighter fluid and went over to the table that was set up earlier. Foley covered it in fluid and then Lita came from nowhere and hit Foley in the knee with the barbwire bat! Lita covered the table in fluid and then set it alight and then Edge spears Foley off the apron through the flaming table! Holy s**t! Edge crawled over and covered for the win!

Sheriffs Verdict: Best match of the night. Absolutely superb, and, much like the Randy Orton match at Backlash 2004, Foley did a real good job of making the younger man look a star. Not that Edge does not deserve credit, because he really does. Both men put a lot into this and certainly - in my opinion - stole the show. In addition, Joey Styles replaced JR for this one and did a good job, it was nice that he got to be involved.

Match 5
Handicap Match
Booker T and Sharmell vs. The Boogeyman

Sheriffs Prediction: The Boogeyman win.
Correct?: Yes.

The Finish: Boogey sent Booker shoulder first into the ring posts and then pulled a handful of worms from his pocket and ate them. Sharmell grabbed Boogey’s stick and went to hit her, but he kissed her with the worms! Sharmell freaked out and ran to the back and then Booker missed a splash in the corner and got hit with a double choke slam and covered for the win.

Sheriffs Verdict: You would feel sorry for anyone having to follow that, and this was never going to be anything anyway. Booker was injured so they kept it short, sweet & simple. Very average, and definitely forgettable.

Match 6
Women’s Championship Match
Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus (c)

Sheriffs Prediction: Mickie James win
Correct?: Yes

The Finish: Mickie went for a single leg but Trish countered into a small cradle for two. Mickie went for a headscissors in the corner but Trish came back with a running powerbomb for two! Trish nailed right hands and then did the MaTrish to miss a clothesline and then went for the Stratusfaction but Mickie then licked Trish in the lower areas and freaked Trish out. Mickie then went for Stratusfaction but botched it and nailed Trish with a Mick Kick and covered for the win!

Sheriffs Verdict: Just like at New Years Revolution, definitely enjoyed it. These two only have Victoria to challenge for title of 'best women wrestler'. Shame about the messy finish, but a decent match overall.

Match 7
Casket Match
Mark Henry vs. The Undertaker

Sheriffs Prediction: Undertaker win
Correct?: Yes

The Finish: Taker nailed right hands and then a headbutt but Henry came back with a clothesline. Henry worked over Taker in the corner and then went for some mounted punches but then Taker dropped him with a powerbomb! Taker threw Henry on top of the casket and then dived over the top rope and over the casket onto Henry on the outside! Taker sent Henry back into the ring and picked him up for the Tombstone and he nailed it! They opened the casket and Henry was rolled into the casket and the lid was shut.

Sheriffs Verdict: Average. Not a terrible match but it will not go down as one of my favourites, that's for certain!

Match 8
No Holds Barred
Mr. McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels

Sheriffs Prediction: Shawn Michaels win
Correct?: Yes

The Finish: Shawn landed a huge elbow drop to Vince from a 30 foot ladder, on to a table, with Vince inside a trash can! Trainers made their way to ringside and Michaels made his way to his feet. Michaels threw the ladder to the outside and we wouldn’t let the doctor in the ring. Michaels did the DX chop to Shane McMahon and then spat on him! Michaels pulled McMahon up and got right in his face and told him he’s going to knock his teeth down his throat, and did just that with Sweet Chin Music for the pin.

Sheriffs Verdict: Good match, enjoyed it. First time since his return that HBK has not been involved in the best match at Mania, but it was probably the 3rd best effort of the PPV and one that he sure as hell can be proud of, especially when you bear in mind that, even though he is in good shape, Vince is 60!

Match 9
World Heavyweight Championship MatchTriple Threat Match
Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton vs. Kurt Angle (c)

Sheriffs Prediction: Randy Orton win
Correct? No. Rey Mysterio win

The Finish: Rey nailed a 619 around the ring post on Angle and then a seated senton and a roll up for two on Angle. Orton got back up and kicked Angle to the outside and then hit a gutwrench into a neckbreaker for two. Orton stalked Mysterio but then Angle came from behind with the Angle Slam for two. Angle stalked Rey and went for the Angle Slam but Rey reversed into an arm drag sending Angle outside and then hit the 619 on Orton. Rey hit the West Coast Pop on Orton and won the match.

Sheriffs Verdict: Well fair play to Our Kid, he got this one right. The match was not bad, the action was good but the problem was that it was cut down to roughly ten minutes, when it could have easily been at least double that. Rey Mysterio as heavyweight champion though? Not particulalry believeable, and while this may be harsh, it probably would not have happened had it not been for the death of Eddie Guerrero. Still, he always has good matches, which is more than what can be said for the champion on the other show...

Match 10
Playboy Pillow Fight
Candice Michelle vs. Torrie Wilson

Sheriffs Prediction: Torrie Wilson win
Correct? Yes:

The Finish: Candice choked Torrie with her legs upside down over the ropes and then did the Go Daddy dance. Candice snapmared Torrie onto the bed as the fans chanted boring. Candice came off the ropes onto Torrie on the bed and then pulled some scissors out of a purse and cut off Torrie’s dress. Candice went under the bed and pulled out her Playboy and then sent Torrie to the corner but Torrie moved and rolled up Candice for the win.

Sheriffs Verdict: While they are nice to look at, the fans were correct with their chanting. Also, did not see much use of pillow, bearing in mind it was supposed to be a pillow fight!

Match 11
WWE Championship Match
Triple H vs. John Cena (c)

Sheriffs Prediction: Triple H win
Correct?: Sadly, no. John Cena win

The Finish: Triple H went for the Pedigree but Cena back dropped out of it. Cena went for the FU and he nailed it. But Triple H kicked out. Cena went up top for a cross body but Triple H ducked and then went for the Pedigree but Cena stepped through and locked in the STFU again. Triple H screamed in pain and he’s close the to the ropes and he looks to have passed out. The referee checked his arm but he says alive on the third check but then he had no choice but to tap out.

Sheriffs Verdict: *sighs* Well, I am not a fan of John Cena these days, I must say. The beginning was a waste of time (had that not gone on so long I am sure the Smackdown main event could have been longer) and overall, while it was certainly not an awful match, it was hardly something I will be remembering for years to come.

The Sheriffs Overall Analysis

Three excellent matches, a couple of good ones and the rest were average. It was certainly not a let-down, and in terms of the roster, I do not suppose they could have come out with much more. That said, I would rather have seen MNM defend the tag belts against someone than see the Boogeyman or a Playboy Pillow Fight. A cruiserweight title match would also have been better.

It was great to have JR on commentary (and to NOT have the Coach!) as he really does have that main event feel to him, but it is hard not to feel some sympathy for Joey Styles. One person I have run out of sympathy for however is Bret Hart, who's refusal to turn up at Wrestlemania was absolutely ridiculous.

As for myself, I got 7 out of 11 predictions right, which I think was pretty darn respectable!

Other News

Randy Orton has been suspended for 60 days. This takes effect from the 12th April. The actual details have not been released, however it is believed that it is to do with his backstage conduct. In addition, the incident itself was apparantly not that bad, but was more of a case of the straw that broke the camels back... Tyson Tomko has been released... After the Cowboy Bob Orton incident, it is also believed that two other employees of WWE have hepatitis... The proposed angle between Hulk Hogan & Stone Cold Steve Austin did not happen on the post-Mania Raw, and I have not heard anything else about that... Bret Hart did actually manage to hang around after the Hall of Fame ceremony and had a chat with quite a few people. It is reported that, in particular, he spent a lot of time catching up with Stone Cold... Although he has still not signed a new contract, it is believed that Chris Benoit sees himself staying with WWE for the rest of his career... However it is believed that Stacy Keibler will not be signing anew contract when hers expires... The issue between WWE and Brock Lesnar is still on-going and believed to now be quite tense. WWE are reportedly showing no signs of relenting...

Wrestlemania 22 - Tonight

Well, in some ways it seems to have taken ages yet at the same time it does not feel like it has been two minutes since WM21.

What is quite interesting is that apparently Vince has been very indecisive in terms of his match winning decisions - he reportedley changed his mind for those results as much as five times Friday alone.

Here is the full card for tonights PPV:

WWE Championship
John Cena (c) vs. Triple H



This match was always going to happen ever since Cena moved to Raw. One of the biggest things though is will HHH do his best to make Cena look like a proper star the same way he did with Batista and, although he did not need as much help, Chris Benoit?

Overall, while I am not overly excited about this, I do think it will probably be a reasonable match. Although it is fair to say that I am not a fan of John Cena, the one thing I will say is that he works hard and does everything that is asked of him. If HHH is on form, they should be able to have a relatively decent match.

Sheriffs prediction: HHH Win. Whilst Vince definitely appears to still be behind the Cena push, I can not see HHH losing three Manias on the trot. In addition, they may use this as a way of pushing Cena further by having him chase HHH for the title, and eventually winning it back, maybe at Summerslam?

World Heavyweight Championship
Kurt Angle (c) vs. Randy Orton vs. Rey Mysterio



In terms of the two world title matches, this is the one I am more looking forward to. Three of the most entertaing stars in the business today, all of them consistently have good matches and all three are capable of telling a good story.

Whilst discussing this match with McEyebrow & Buncey they both said it would not be right for Rey Mysterio to be World Heavyweight Champion. To be honest I can see their point, but also I do not feel that Rey is someone that would be right in that role. He does not need a belt to get over, and there are plenty of stars that had great careers but were never really world title material, such as Rowdy Roddy Piper, Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka and Jake 'The Snake' Roberts.

For me Kurt Angle is the best wrestler the industry has ever seen, and he should be world champion. Randy Orton is definitely a heel superstar in the making, but his last title reign was a complete waste. That said, it was mainly because 1) HHH took the belt off him a month after he won it, and 2) He was playing a babyface character, which he should just never do.

Sheriffs Prediction: Randy Orton win. My heart says Kurt Angle and I hope that is the case, but me head says Orton is a mate of HHH and is quite possibly being primed for his second run with the belt.

No Holds Barred Match
Vince McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels

If this match measures up to the one Vince had with Hulk Hogan at WM19, we are in for quite a treat. When you bear in mind just how much superior a wrestler that HBK is to Hogan, it sets it up nicely. Both Vince and Shawn are great storytellers, and Shawn is one of the greatest of all-time, and that includes where he is today - one of the best.

Overall I see this being an entertaining match, though I obviously do not expect it to be the best match on the card. Vince has obviously pushed this feud very hard and I expect this to be rewarded this evening.

Sheriffs Prediction: HBK win. The McMahons have had the better of this storyline all the way through, but I expect Shawn to get the last word, even though he will probably have to face such fearsome obstacles as the Spirit Squad... Er...

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Shelton Benjamin vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Ric Flair vs. Finlay vs. Matt Hardy vs. Lashley



Last year this match nearly stole the show (it would have done had it not been on the same card as HBK v Kurt) and to be honest, I think it helped Edge evolve as a star over the past year. In all fairness, after the Smackdown main event, I am quite possibly looking forward to this the most...

Shelton Benjamin is one of the best wrestlers on the roster today. It is just his character - and I am not 100% sure where the fault of that lies - that is holding him back from being a huge star. The same could potentially be said of Lashley, and I think it would be best if one of these two got the win here. I certainly do not think it will be Matt Hardy, and it would be pointless to give it to Ric Flair. Finlay is not bad & could be a dark horse, and RVD is probably the most over out of them all. It is mildly intriguing, and I look forward to the outcome.

Sheriffs Prediction: Lashley win. I think Vince might have one eye on a Lashley v Orton feud round about the time Wrestlemania 23 rolls around...

Casket Match
Undertaker vs. Mark Henry



I am sure this match will have some good moments, and Undertaker has, on occasion, being surprisingly good when carrying a match with a big man. However I think that this is the only match that has an almost certain outcome...

Sheriffs Prediction: Undertaker win. No-one actually expects Mark Henry to be the one to finally beat 'The Phenom' at a Wrestlemania do they?

Hardcore Match
Edge vs. Mick Foley



This should be quite a good match, and Edge is fairly consistent at being able to have decent matches. However, unless Edge has agreed to give Foley his 'defining Wrestlemania win' or whatever before Mick gets too old, I expect this to be a similar situation to the 2004 Backlash where Mick Foley made Randy Orton look absolutely superb, and, if Orton has any humility, will look back and thank Foley for what he did for him.

Sheriffs Prediction: Edge win. I would quite like Foley to have a great match and win it. But I think this will be all about making Edge look like a star.

United States Championship
Chris Benoit (c) vs. JBL



I am not sure who will win here. I do think it will be an ok match as Chris Benoit is up there with Kurt Angle, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart etc for just being able to have good matches.

JBL is an average worker but his mic skills are superb, and he would probably make for an entertaining champion. The thing here is that neither star reallly needs the belt to help them get over, however, it does at least have a credible feel to a championship match, which can only be good for the US title.

Sheriffs Prediction: JBL win. I think this Mania will be a night for the heels, and I think JBL could possibly have a 'Honky Tonk Man' style run with the belt.

World Tag Team Championship
Kane & Big Show (c) vs. Chris Masters & Carlito



Much like the aforementioned US title match, the one thing I like about this feud is it is a title match with a credible feel. The Tag Team division has been pretty weak for years (hardly the days of The Hart Foundation, Legion of Doom, Demolition, The Rockers etc) but by throwing together some singles stars, that can sometimes lead to a relatively entertaining feud.

I do not expect it to be a great match, but I do think it will be a relatively good effort.

Sheriffs Prediction: Chris Masters & Carlito win. In the build-up to this, Show & Kane have definitely had the better of the exchanges. But I have a sneak feeling that the youngsters may get a little push here.

Women’s Championship
Trish Stratus (c) vs. Mickie James



The feud between these two has been entertaining, and I actually felt that they stole the show at the New Years Revolution PPV in January. As there are not many great alternative options, I fully expect this to carry on beyond Mania.

Sheriffs Prediction: Mickie James win. To give the feud a fresh feel and keep it entertaining this has to happen at some point.

Playboy Pillow Fight
Torrie Wilson vs. Candice Michelle



Nice bit of eye candy for us all, no real expectations.

Sheriffs Prediction: Torrie win. But as the announcers always say, we are all winners.

Handicap Match
Boogeyman vs. Booker T & Sharmell



Oh how Booker T's star has fallen. This feud has not exactly been cringeworthy, but it is fair to say this is little more than a comedy match. The Boogeyman is one of those characters that needs to go elsewhere for the drama & emotion, because you just will not get it in the ring.

Sheriffs Prediction: Boogeyman win. I expect this to be another signal that any hope Booker has of having another world title reign is pretty much dead and buried.

What else will happen?

There is obviously the usual, like the Hall of Fame ceremony... JR will be calling the Raw side of things, not Joey Styles. It is hard not to feel a little sympathy for Styles...The news is that Hulk Hogan will not be appearing, though Stone Cold Steve Austin may be... Interestingly, there is apparently a segment lined up between the two for the following nights Raw, though they are the only details I am aware of... It is highly unlikley that Bret Hart will make an appearance other than the Hall of Fame... The only other surprise I can think of outside the active roster would be Batista or possibly even Roddy Piper... Whatever happens, I am looking forward to it!!!