For a full preview, listen to FTW164 – WWE Extreme Rules Preview and Predictions. Here are the Extreme Rules predictions from the writers at FTW Podcast.
YouTube: Miz (8) vs. Cody Rhodes (6)
Andre: I gotta pick Cody. He’s due for a singles win. He needs to separate himself from Sandow and branch out on his own. Winner: Rhodes
Ben Woodburn: Cody, really want to see this guy go places and it’s frustrating to watch him being held back. Winner: Rhodes
Chris: “Battle of the Misused Talents”, PPV edition. Cody is dying a slow, agonizing death due to a chronic case of gimmick-itis, and Miz couldn’t get over as a face if he came to the ring with a ladder. But could this become a poor man’s Austin/Hart double turn? I’m hoping. Winner: Miz, by dastardly means
Corey: I see this as being the start of what could be a decent feud over the summer. Rhodes wins this one by cheating. Winner: Cody Rhodes
Deuce: Rhodes is in real danger of becoming a “legacy” that languishes in the realm of mid-card oblivion. He needs a serious push. Sure, he’s had good time in the spotlight with various titles but never really getting close to any of the big ones. He should win this match but it won’t help his career any since it’s against someone who is inconsequential. Winner: Rhodes
Eric: The Miz has become all things WWE; Movie Star, Part-Time Announcer, Talk Show Host, ect… What he hasn’t become is a winner. That is why I am going with Cody Rhodes. This kid is ready for a singles push, and it starts this Sunday. Winner: Rhodes
Garvin: Their choices were to give Wade Barrett a random opponent to defend the IC title against, or keep him off the card to push another random filler match. I think random filler match is better than a random opponent with no build for the IC title. I hate to say it, but it’s true. We’ll complain either way, though. Winner: Miz
Harrison: Winner: Miz
Joe: There’s no reason for this match other than to have these two guys work, and for Miz to appear on his show — YouTube PPV pre-show! Miz wins for the cheap pop. Winner: Miz
Kyle: Even by the standards of the pre-show, this is a meaningless match. Rhodes is a solid worker who hasn’t been given the chance to prove himself, and Miz is, at best, average. I suspect they’ll want to get the night off to a positive start, and so the most unloved face in recent memory will pick up the W. Winner: Miz
Lee: Winner: Miz
Michelle: Cody Rhodes has had a series of unfortunate gimmicks. He has such great potential & a “legacy” rich in wrestling. I would love to see WWE do something great with him! Miz does more talking than wrestling so I have to say Winner: Cody Rhodes
Rob: Winner : The Miz
Robert Carmichael: This is a throw away match . Winner : The Miz
Fandango (10) vs. Jericho (4)
Andre: Jericho has been the enhancement talent as of late and if there’s anyone who needs enhancement, it’s Fandango. Fandango needs to pick up some steam because his charm seems to be fading and fading fast. Winner: Fandango
Ben Woodburn: Fandango should win this one given Jericho’s ability to put people over lately, looking forward to seeing more of Fandango in the ring as the jury’s still out for me with him. If his latest segment of Raw is anything to go by Fandango is really going all out with the heel role so maybe the match will finish with a top rope leg drop onto a foreign object placed across Jericho. Winner: Fandango
Chris: Fandango is Vince’s pet project, and so far, only his song has gotten over. I don’t think Vince wants to turn Fandango yet, and I don’t think he’s putting this much money into comic relief. I say Fandango goes extreme on Jericho, and cements himself as a nasty heel. Winner: Fandango
Corey: Jericho said on Raw after the attack that the fun and games were over. I see Y2J taking this one using heel tactics to the delight of us fans.
Winner: Chris Jericho
Deuce: I’d like to see “Fandango” working with talent other than Jericho (who is feeling more and more like a crutch for him). He needs to put more and better work in before he becomes nothing more than a gimmick which is on its death bed already. This match could go either way but “Fandango” will likely win in spite of not showing anything new or significant.
Winner: Fandango
Eric: After their hyped flop at Wrestlemania, WWE brass decide to do try it again. This time, we will get a much better match,and a slightly different outcome. Fandago has proven he is willing to cheat in order to win, which is why Chris Jericho wins this Sunday. Fandango will get disqualified. Winner: Y2J
Garvin: Much like I said for their encounter at WrestleMania, I think this match has the perfect storm to be the match of the night. And really, their last match was almost there, except for the ending. If they keep the ending from looking sloppy, these two could, and should, steal the show. Winner: Fandango
Harrison: Winner: Fandango
Joe: I’ve been enjoying the program between these two, because it’s good to see Jericho push Curtis up. That being said, the feud needs to end, and the old fashion way — with the face winning. Jericho takes it. Winner: Jericho
Kyle: Despite the popularity of his song, I think WWE knows that they’re playing on borrowed time with Fandango. Jericho has become the prototypical legend in the last few years, and he’ll continue that legacy by putting Fandango over in a convincing fashion. Winner: Fandango
Lee: Winner: Fandango
Michelle: Jericho is the man who puts the young guys over. Fandango went wild for a few weeks but is quickly dying out. Fandango need a win. Winner: Fandango
Rob: Winner: Fandango
Robert Carmichael: This storyline is kinda weak , there’s no strength nor build behind it. So by default Chris Jericho going get the win. Winner: Chris Jericho
TTC: Team Hell No (0) vs Reigns/Rollins (14)
Andre: After The Shield’s DQ loss on Raw, they NEED to win this match to stay a legitimate threat. Winners : The Shield.
Ben Woodburn: Given the push that the WWE have given the Shield it’s difficult to see anything other than a Reigns/Rollins win or risk them losing serious momentum. With the talent that will be in the ring, especially Bryan and Rollins who have huge chemistry together, it could easily steal the show. Winners : The Shield.
Chris: This one scares me, because I REALLY believe in The Shield; so much so, in fact, that I think a title run is beneath them at this point. However, a Reigns/Rollins win automatically heats up the tag division, and if paired with an Ambrose win, cements them as the most powerful group in the WWE. It also keeps them relevant while keeping them out of the main event picture for a while. Winners : The Shield.
Corey: This is an easy one. It’s time to believe. Winners : The Shield.
Deuce: This is the time to serve youth in WWE. The Shield is the prime example of how a group should be maintained and pushed. They’re a gimmick but not one that’s all-in as far as personal investment. If it ever breaks up, the individuals have their names, reputations, and are building their pedigrees. The tag title win should be a foregone conclusion on this basis alone. In terms of story, Bryan and Kane look disoriented and aimless so the time is right to make the final transition. Winners : The Shield.
Eric: I’m going to have to pick Reigns and Rollins in this one. Team Hell No has become tired and if the WWE wants to once again rejump their tag division, than it is high time they give the straps to a team that can bring credibility to the division. Winners : The Shield.
Garvin: Team Hell No have held onto the titles for long enough. And, you can’t keep using The Shield as this attack group. They need to do something big to keep that momentum, and winning the tag titles would do just that. Winners : The Shield.
Harrison: Winners : The Shield.
Joe: It’s time for the Shield to have a purpose, and we’ll begin at Extreme Rules. Now, we’re righting the tag team division by putting the straps on the Shield. Love it. Shield wins and takes the tag titles home. Winners : The Shield.
Kyle: Being an undirected force of nature can only get The Shield so far, and this match is the perfect chance to kill two birds with one stone. If The Shield can execute flawless teamwork (as they have so far) they can not only take the Tag Team titles from Team Hell No, they can also instigate the breakup of Kane and D-Bry that we’ve all been expecting in time for a SummerSlam grudge match. Winners : The Shield.
Lee: Winners : The Shield.
Michelle: I love Kane-just saying! Team Hell No needs to move on do something new. I would like to see the team dissolve. Reigns/Rollins can potentially help the “break-up” LET’S GET DYSFUNCTIONAL AGAIN! Reigns/Rollins are the force to be reckoned with at WWE at present. Winners : The Shield.
Rob: Winners : The Shield.
Robert Carmichael: The Shield is on fire from the start , from having their first Wrestlemania match and now this is their first title shot. This is their time to capture the tag title from Team Hell No, and maybe build a feud between The Shield and Team Hell No for the tag title. Winners : The Shield.
USC: Kofi (0) vs. Dean Ambrose (14)
Andre: http://www.ftwpodcast.com/why-dean-ambrose-will-take-the-wwe-by-storm/ Winner: Ambrose
Ben Woodburn: Not going to lie I would much prefer to see Rollins or Reigns get the singles match first but such is the talent of all three guys that i’m still hugely excited for this match. Although it does baffle me slightly that Ambrose is not facing Cesaro for this title but i guess the WWE wanted to put him into a program with Orton after Extreme Rules. I don’t think i’m in the minority in thinking Dean Ambrose should win this match. Winner: Ambrose
Chris: I have a freaking man-crush on Dean Ambrose. This is the only way I feel good about them taking the US strap off of Cesaro. Winner: Ambrose
Corey: As with the last pick, this is also an easy one. The Shield will control the Tag and U.S. titles through the summer. This will be the match of the night. No doubt. Winner: Ambrose
Deuce: I feel like this belt was placed on Kofi because Cesaro wasn’t connecting at all with fans and the US title was suffering because of it. Furthermore, Kofi feels like a transitional champion while WWE waits for a challenger who can return purpose and viability to the title. Ambrose is that guy and now is the right time. Winner: Ambrose
Eric: Kofi is a transitional champion. Let’s face it folks, as much as the IWC wants to see Kofi in the Main Event, it’s not going to happen. The Shield will come away from Extreme Rules covered in gold. It doesn’t make sense for only two thirds of the group to be champions, thus giving Ambrose the victory. Winner: Ambrose
Garvin: This match is really random, but I love it. I hate seeing Kofi as being a transitional Champion, but I’m okay with it if it means Ambrose and the rest of the Shield walk out of Extreme Rules with titles. Winner: Ambrose
Harrison: Winner: Ambrose
Joe: Now we see why Kofi came out for a save… Dean Ambrose will take this US title, putting gold on the waists of all of the Shield. What better way to make a statement than to take home all the gold they’ve fought for? Dean wins and takes home the title. Winner: Ambrose
Kyle: This is one of the surest locks of the night. To me, the only question is whether Kofi will fade back into obscurity or continue in the path he’s been on, hopefully to the main event picture. Kofi vs Dolph for the WHC? Take my money now. Winner: Ambrose
Lee: Winner: Ambrose
Michelle: I would like to go against the flow and say Kofi will retain but the reality is The Shield and Ambrose solo are the WWE WINNERS right now! Kofi unfortunately is a means to an end. He is there to lose this time around. Winner: Ambrose
Rob: Winner: Ambrose
Robert Carmichael: It’s time for Kofi to drop the title and move up to the main event , let Dean Ambrose get his shot for the US and win his first strap. Winner: Ambrose
Sheamus (3) vs. Mark Henry (10) – Strap Match
Andre: My gut says Sheamus is gonna get revenge, but if Wrestlemania and Henry’s world record truck pull last Friday have proved anything, it’s that Sheamus is next inductee into the Hall of Pain. Winner: Mark Henry
Ben Woodburn: I like the back and forth that these two have had and picking a winner is going to be tough, both guys are impressively strong and could convincingly win this match up but i’m gonna pick Sheamus purely because I like him best and want him to win but either could win and i’d be happy. Winner: Sheamus
Chris: My Give-a-Crap Meter just tanked. This match is the perfect reason why WWE should no longer do an “Extreme Rules” PPV. Strap matches are nasty, and they should be reserved for some real bad blood. Sheamus’ current whiteout wise-cracker routine just doesn’t fit here. Winner: Me, because I will have stepped away to eat and go to the john. Winner: No Pick
Corey: The winner of this match will, more than likely, be placed as Dolph’s next challenger after ADR/Swagger. Henry needs to be pushed as the monster heel going into the rest of the year, and I’d much rather see Ziggles/Henry than Ziggles/Sheamus. Winner: Mark Henry
Deuce: I called this match a week before it was booked. The only way it can even look like it belongs in “Extreme Rules” is if Sheamus is destroyed with the strap. Look at the guy! He is a blank canvas which should be painted with welts, scratches, and scars if his “fighter” persona is to be at all credible. He bruises easily and they’re obvious when they happen. Aside from that, Henry needs to be made to look like the steamroller he was brought to WWE to be. Winner: Mark Henry
Eric: Sheamus has become John Cena 2.0. Which also means he will be willing job if asked. I’m not completely sure where they are going to take Mark Henry, but wherever it ends up being, I currently like how they are doing it. Winner: Mark Henry
Garvin: I really enjoy the build up of Mark Henry. It feels very old school and raw. If only Sheamus was remotely interesting as a character. He’s just too bland for me to really feel much emotion for this match. Winner of this match needs to be pushed into the World Championship race, and I really think Mark Henry is that guy. Winner: Mark Henry
Harrison: Winner: Mark Henry
Joe: Will they probably book Sheamus over Henry? Most likely, just like Andre suggested. But, I’d really like to see Mark Henry excel after showing off and pulling those damn semis. Wow. Push the Hall of Pain to the World title picture. Mark Henry takes it. Winner: Mark Henry
Kyle: There’s always a question whether WWE will do the smart thing or the safe thing. My gut says Sheamus is going to win this and move back into the World Title hunt, which is the worst thing that could happen. Either way, I expect Sheamus to get painted red by Mark Henry, because, honestly, why else would they put the whitest man in professional wrestling in a strap match. Winner: Sheamus
Lee: Winner: Sheamus
Michelle: I am not a fan of this pairing. I feel like there is a decline in entertainment. Mark Henry bores me with “That’s What I do!” I’m hoping Sheamus takes him out unfortunately I don’t think that will happen. Winner: Mark Henry
Rob: Winner: Mark Henry
Robert Carmichael: I really like Mark Henry , his promo was on point every time he on the mic. Between Sheamus and Mark Henry building toward Extreme Rules was a bit slow and rushed at the same time. I’m going for the Hall of Pain to take the win. Winner: Mark Henry
Orton (11) vs. Big Show (1) – Extreme Rules Match
Andre: No comment. Other than the obvious “Orton needs to turn heel.” Winner: Big Show
Ben Woodburn: Probably the match i’m least looking forward to as i’m really bored of the Big Show and whilst i like Orton he doesn’t seem to be bothered anymore. I suppose i’ll pick Orton for the win but only based on the fact that he has had several matches against Rhodes, Sandow and Cesaro and won them all, the WWE wouldn’t build all that momentum behind him only to have him lose. Winner: Randy Orton
Chris: See my comments for Sheamus/Henry. Winner: Don’t know. Loser: Me, because I’ll have come back from the bathroom and kitchen, and I’ll have to sit through this turd. Winner: No Pick.
Corey: Orton will win after hitting an RKO “OUT OF NOWHERE!” Winner: Randy Orton
Deuce: What’s the point of this? Is it filler? There’s no real rivalry here (see Sheamus / Henry). Is there a stipulation? I seriously forgot because I care so little for either of these guys together. If Orton is to turn, this isn’t the time or place because it will go largely unnoticed. It needs to happen backstage and over time. And he needs to be made interesting to watch because right now he’s almost as stale as John Cena. Oh…I have to pick a winner. *flips coin; lands on edge* Yeah…I don’t care either. Winner: No Pick.
Eric: This match is soooo booooring! I could care less, but I will pick winner just to play along. Winner: Randy Orton
Garvin: Snooze fest. Tired of this combo. Really, tired of both of these guys in general. This will be my bathroom break match. Winner: Randy Orton, not the fans.
Harrison: Winner: Randy Orton
Joe: I…. am…. Randy……………………………………………………. *sigh* …Orton. He wins it because this is a boring feud and we need someone to move on. Winner: Randy Orton
Kyle: RANDY… There’s no reason for this match to happen other than to sell T-shirts and fill time. Randall sells more shirts, so he’ll probably win. Winne… *snore* Randy
Lee: Winner: Randy Orton
Michelle: //These two and the previously mentioned guys seem to be losing our interest. Personally I looked forward to watching Sheamus, Randy & Big Show. They were some of my favorite matches a year or two ago…now it’s ho hum, nothing exciting. I think it’s time for creative to reinvent the wheel so to speak. Give us something to grab ahold of with them… Winner: Randy Orton
Rob: Winner: Randy Orton
Robert Carmichael: Randy is gunning for the world title , so for this match or extreme rules match. It’s going to be a good match. Winner: Randy Orton
DC: Kaitlyn (1) vs. AJ (13)
Andre: This match has like two years of build up. Something other Diva’s Title matches never had. It should be a fairly decent match. But my love for AJ clouds my better judgement. Winner: AJ
Ben Woodburn: I’m gonna pick AJ for this one, hopefully these two will prove that there is still talent left in the Divas division and with Summer Rae, Paige and Emma waiting in the wings the futures looking pretty good for the Divas once again. Winner: AJ
Chris: Don’t care. I would rather they give Orton/Big Show more time…and you can see how I felt about that match. Winner: No Pick
Corey: Dolph/AJ = Champion power couple. Winner: AJ
Deuce: This is gonna end up another pointless match. It only looks like this has been building because the two have been connected for so long. There hasn’t been any kind of rivalry hinted at until recently. And in spite of the women waiting to join the “Divas” division, they’ll suffer the same fate as all the others: stripped of any real move set and any shred of identity. Anyway, this match ends as cheaply as the build to it. Winner: Kaitlyn
Eric: What exactly has Kaitlyn done with the Deva’s Championship again? Oh, that’s right, abso-freaking-nothing! AJ has without a shadow of a doubt been the most entertaining Deva on the entire roster. Give her the strap for crying out loud and lets see what someone with some talent can do with it. Winner: AJ
Garvin: This could be epic. If they keep the camera on the ring and don’t let any of the Divas be on commentary. Kaitlyn’s reign has been kind of a waste, but AJ taking the title could be the much needed spark. Winner: AJ
Harrison: Winner: AJ
Joe: Kaitlin’s been stuck with an uninventive reign for sure, but who else do they have as a face? Just Natalya and the Funkydactyls. Oh, and maybe Layla. (Is she still alive, or did we forget to bring her back from the UK tour?) I see AJ winning, giving more cred to the Ziggler stable, and then we’ll see the rise of Nattie in the next few months to take the title. Once we do, we’ll get the Bellas going after her, calling her fat, because there’s that Be A Star thing still going on. AJ wins. Winner: AJ
Kyle: AJ showed last night that she’s more than a pretty face and nice… other parts. She can actually connect one move to a second move and not kill anyone in the process. Similarly, Kaitlyn can also string a few moves together. This should be a solid Diva’s match if they can focus on the match. Logically, AJ should pick up the title and bring more gold to team Zigglypuff. I’m putting the over/under on times Jerry calls AJ a slut at 4, and taking the over. Winner: AJ
Lee: Winner: AJ
Michelle: I LOVE AJ in the ring! I think she can wrestle, she’s solid! I’m also a Kaitlyn fan. I think it’s a good storyline! I would like to see all the silly AJ stuff go away and actually have her wrestling regularly! Winner: AJ
Rob: Winner: AJ
Robert Carmichael: The diva title need a reboot , need something special, Kaitlyn haven’t done anything or seeing any effort for the title , so I’m hoping AJ Lee bring something to the table when she capture the title. Winner: AJ
Brock Lesnar (10) vs. HHH (3) – Steel Cage match
Andre: Is it needed? No. Have they built it up to where I wanna see it? Yes. This should be a slobber knocker, to say the least. But as for the winner of this rubber match, I gotta go with the King of Kings. Winner: HHH
Ben Woodburn: This match is slightly unpredictable, Lesnar should get his win back, if he doesn’t then how much longer can WWE book him as a monster heel if he continues to lose. This match feels like it’s more about HHH trying to feed his ego but if he’s smart he’ll let Lesnar go over him. Should be a cracking (In more than one way) match though. Winner : Brock Lesnar
Chris: Although I’m tired of the feud, I think the match is going to be pretty enjoyable. Call me gruesome, but I’d love to see someone get busted open the hard way. My concern here is with a Brock loss; if he goes down in two PPV matches in a row, how can you call him a beast? Now, we’ll see just how much of a company man Trips really is. Since he can make the call on the finish, will he choose to puff himself up or give one of his crew some momentum to carry on to another feud? Too close to call. Winner: No Pick
Corey: Since coming back to WWE, Lesnar has yet to win a match. You can’t be but so much of a badass if you keep losing every match. Brock takes this match, setting up Lesnar/Triple H III at Summerslam. Winner : Brock Lesnar
Deuce: How many appearances are left on Lesnar’s contract? That should tell us who wins this one. If he’s almost out, there’s no reason for him to win and HHH (with his ego in his corner) can bury him and send him packing as the vanquished evil or whatever. If he has more than a few appearances left, Lesnar should win. My guess is he wasn’t supposed to be around long after WrestleMania so, not that it matters,… Winner: HHH
Eric: This is a set up match people. Lesnar will be given the push, setting up a future feud between he and John Cena for the WWE Championship. Remember Extreme Rules a year ago? Some were calling the Cena/Lesnar fight the match of the year at the time. Time to revisit that feud. Winner : Brock Lesnar
Garvin: Despite this being a match that most aren’t looking forward to, I like the combination. As long as HBK keeps out of it. Inside of the cell allows for some sparks of Attitude Era that we’ve been missing, especially with these two guys. You’ve got a guy who can break some rules because of his role with the company (HHH) against a guy who is a bit unleashed and willing to slam his head into things (Brock). And the Paul Heyman factor will make this match memorable. Unlike their last match, though, they need to move forward and the only way to do that is to have Brock win. Winner : Brock Lesnar
Harrison: Winner : Brock Lesnar
Joe: I don’t want to see this match. I want HHH to stay out of the ring. Because that’s what I want to see to help move the business forward, I’m sure we’ll see a third match this year, at SummerSlam. Brock needs to win to still be the beast, and to push the storyline there. There’s nothing left for him to do but actually attack Stephanie McMahon-Levesque-Helmsley. Winner : Brock Lesnar
Kyle: I did not expect to have any interest in this match. Their WrestleMania match was sort of a trainwreck, and there isn’t really a reason for them to be having this match. Somehow though, this is a match I’m looking forward to. If Bork still has time on his contract, this match can only end one way. I expect it to be bloody and brutal, and, yeah, awesome. With his win, I hope to see Brock rising to the WWE Title picture. Winner: Bork Laser
Lee: Winner : Brock Lesnar
Michelle: I like these two together. I think Lesnar needs the win. I get his come back wasn’t on a full time bases but I would love to see more of him. While I like Triple HHH in the ring it isn’t a necessity he isn’t going anywhere. Winner : Brock Lesnar
Rob: Winner: HHH
Robert Carmichael: I hoping this would be a match of the night , showing some blood and violent into a steel cage and nothing less from it. Brock Lesnar beat Triple H last year Summerslam , then Triple H beat Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania . So I’m pulling for Brock Lesnar and once he do that , he’ll be headed for the “Money” (hint, hint). Winner : Brock Lesnar
Swagger (4) vs. Del Rio (10) – WHC #1 Contenders Match
Andre: Well, thanks to Swagger, instead of a triple threat ladder match for the World Title, we now have an I Quit Number One Contender’s match. With Swagger’s court case coming up in June (I believe), I don’t see him in the title picture for very long. Plus I don’t want Ziggler to get another concussion. Winner: Del Rio
Ben Woodburn: I was quite looking forward to this match until Ziggler got sidelined but now it’s two fairly unlikeable guys but the I Quit stipulation leads the way for a decent submission match to take place so all is not lost. Del Rio to win this one which is a shame because he really can’t pull off being a face. Winner: Del Rio
Chris: I was the guy screaming for Swagger’s dismissal a few months ago about the drug charge and the stupid WM29 angle with ADR. Now, add the Ziggler injury to his list of offenses. The more interesting prediction here is what happens to Swagger after this PPV. Winner: Del Rio
Corey: WWE actually has the perfect storyline in place for the outcome of this match. Dolph returns wanting revenge on Swagger, while helping him transition into a face role. It’s been said that Vince has wanted Dolph as a face for a while now, but has been scared to pull the trigger. A Swagger win loads the gun, and sets up a match with Zigglypuff at Payback (makes sense, right?) Look for ADR to say “I Quit” on Smackdown this week, and the audio is played during the match at some point.
Winner: Swagger
Deuce: I honestly don’t care between these two. I still can’t buy into Del Rio as a face. Did JBL pull the plug on his car entrance?..because now he just looks like any other guy. Swagger shouldn’t even be working given his legal and chemical problems (and we all know how concerned WWE is about its image, right?). The political angle needs to die as well…quickly. In the end, ADR gets his rematch against Ziggy because, let’s face it, only the heel ever quits.
Winner: Del Rio
Eric: This match has become a total let down. Thanks for kicking the champ in the head Swagger! Just for that, you lose! Winner: Del Rio
Garvin: I’m really torn on this match. I’m completely behind Swagger and I think a Dolph vs. Swagger match has a lot of story and emotion behind it, especially because they are crediting Swagger for giving Dolph the concussion. Del Rio is awkward at best. I hope they don’t give him the push. Winner: Swagger
Harrison: Winner: Swagger
Joe: Swagger needs to win this match to put himself and this gimmick back on top. he deserves it. He’s working the controversial angle, and he’s great in the ring. He’s come a long way from his ECW and World title reigns, and I’m proud of the man for what he’s done…. But WWE is going to book this for a Del Rio win. Del Rio is going to win and do a couple months of work with Ziggler, provided he can wrestle again soon, and then we’ll see ADR vs Orton. Winner: Del Rio
Kyle: I’m sick to death of seeing ADR in the World Title picture. It feels like he’s either been champion or one of the top two contenders for the past couple years. He is only moderately over, and what reaction he does get from the crowd is largely because Ricardo is such a great manager. If this was a match that could end in a draw, that’s what I’d predict, because a ladder match between ADR, Swagger, and Dolph would be a good thing to watch. Since there has to be a winner, and Swagger has already taken out Dolph, I expect the match to end with Swagger breaking ADR’s ankle and sidelining him for a couple months. Winner: Swagger
Lee: Winner: Del Rio
Michelle: You know my take on this one. I think that Jack Swagger will once again fade to the background. Court date fast approaching an I Quit match seems somewhat convenient don’t you think? I think Swagger will lose and Alberto Del Rio & Ziggler will pick up the rivalry and continue on. Winner: Del Rio
Rob: Winner: Del Rio
Robert Carmichael: WWE don’t want a star who have a DUI case over their head as a World Champion. Winner: Del Rio
WWEC: Cena (9) vs. Ryback (5) – Last Man Standing Match
Andre: This is a tricky match. Ryback has just turned heel and loss in this match would kill all momentum he had (if he had any coming in). Cena just won the title at Wrestlemania and it would be really stupid for him to drop the title this soon. Especially to Ryback. So it’s really tough for me to say. But I gotta say: FEED ME MORE! I love heel Ryback. And him as champ would make him look unstoppable. Winner: Ryback
Ben Woodburn: It’s hard to see Cena lose the title after one month but it would give Ryback a huge push and seeing him kick the snot out of SuperCena would win over large numbers of doubters. The match itself should be nothing special, i think there’s a combined 9 moves available between these two. Cena is my pick to win this match. Winner: Cena
Chris: Ryback’s character is dead if he loses. He won’t. And with the heel ‘injury’ angle, there’s grounds for at least two rematches going into the summer. Winner: Ryback
Corey: If Cena’s injury was more severe than it is, I’d say Ryback. However, after Cena being able to compete on Monday night, this seems like they’ve turned this into yet another Cena overcomes the odds style storyline. Winner: Cena
Deuce: Why is this even a question? If WWE is known for anything, it’s dropping the ball on pushing guys in the right direction and keeping them viable. You know their premise is Ryback losing and having some huge revenge motive to carry for the next few months (or if Rock comes back to steal the main event slot again). It’s a scenario like this which makes me almost not care about the WWE title because of who is carrying it. I hope CM Punk comes back and reclaims it in the not-so-distant future. Until then,… Winner: Cena
Eric: As I stated earlier, I believe the WWE is setting up a John Cena/Brock Lesnar feud, which means I’m sorry Ryback, but it’s not your time yet. Your PPV losing streak will continue. Winner: Cena
Garvin: Ryback Rules. Winner: Ryback
Harrison: Winner: Ryback
Joe: As much as I think Ryback winning the title is the right booking to push the character, it won’t happen. Super Cena will win. But if fantasy booking can still make an appearance, I would hope that the Shield stops Ryback from winning the title and lays out both men, causing a double 10 count and a draw. It would then keep Ryback on the strong side, but still keep the title on Cena, giving them more time to get Ryback over and cemented as his own heel instead of Generic Heel 2.0 (aka Randy Orton). Winner: Cena
Kyle: Ryback Rules isn’t a thing. I think WWE might be fucking with me (can we curse here, if not, change it to “screwing”) because this is two straight pay-per-views where I actually want Cena to win. Yes. I want John Cena to win. Ryback does not deserve to be in the WWE Title picture. He’s done nothing but lose every match of consequence, and, well, I just don’t like him. He’s got an admittedly compelling story coming in to this match, which I fully admit, but it’s not enough. Cena is keeping the belt warm until CM Punk comes back. Winner: Cena
Lee: Winner: Cena
Michelle: //It’s time. . . Heel Ryback!!! GIVE HIM THE BELT! Will it not make everyone crazy, will it not make everyone watch more in hopes that somehow, someway, someone will knock him off his high horse and get the belt from him??? GOOD FOR BUSINESS! John Cena likes to be the winner BUT Winner: Ryback
Rob: Winner: Cena
Robert Carmichael: It’s way too early for John Cena to drop the title and it’s a bad move for Ryback to turn heel with his 0-5 PPV record . Winner: Cena
And those are your predictions for the night. US, Divas, and Tag Titles will change hands. Cena retains and Del Rio vs. Dolph at Payback. Those are your picks of the night. If you watch it live, make sure to tweet us your reactions, or post in our Facebook Group, or chat with us over on TWRNetwork.com
Kyle: ORTON
