CRUISERWEIGHT OPEN: Chavo Guerrero vs. Jimmy Wang Yang vs. Jamie Noble vs. Shannon Moore vs. Funaki
My thoughts on this match are a bit mixed. On the one hand, after a long period of time of giving the cruiserweight title even less attention than is right, what a great way to spotlight almost all of WWE's great cruiserweight talent. Wreslers like Noble, Moore, and Funaki deserve some PPV time, as does the cruiser division. However, a surefire way of cheapening the belt is with highly confusing, multi-man matches like TNA has cheapened the X-division with at times. The success of this match will depend on how well they manage to keep the action follow-able and under control in that sense. PREDICTION: Jimmy Wang Yang.
SINGAPORE CANE MATCH: Sandman vs. Carlito
This feud seems kind of random to me, but then Sandman not being on ECW seems kind of random to me. I haven't seen Carlito in too many 'hardcore' environments to my recollection so it will be interesting to see how he does. Having said that - Sandman's an older ECW original in the twilight of his career - three strikes against him in the eyes of McMahonism. Look for him to do the job and put Carlito over. PREDICTION: Carlito.
WOMEN'S TITLE MATCH: Candice Michelle vs. Melina
These two have really impressed me and I'm excited for this match - while it doesn't make sense to give Candice such a short run with the belt, I think Melina is longterm the more bankable star. Look for her to regain here, and start a feud with Mickie James. As an alternative, look for Beth Phoenix to get herself involved, thereby starting a feud with one woman or another. PREDICTION: Melina.
US TITLE MATCH: MVP vs. Matt Hardy
The only thing easy to call about this match is that if the guys are allowed to do their thing - really do their thing - it will be an amazing fight. These are two top-notch competitors and I'm looking forward to them entertaining me. It will be a tremendous match between two men who really deserve the US title, and there would be no disappointing result. It's a win-win situation, and the REAL winner; the fans. PREDICTION: If I have to put it on one, I'll go with MVP, as he only recent won the belt. If he loses it to Matt, look for the feud to continue with the belt being traded fairly frequently between them.
INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH: Umaga vs. Jeff Hardy
It's interesting that both Hardy brothers are fighting for singles gold on this card. I want to give WWE credit for some smart booking and predict that the wwe.com story about sibling rivalry was a teaser - that one will win their belt and the other will turn heel out of jealousy (most likely Matt, as he's had a harder row to hoe to get to where he is). But that's way too interesting a story for WWE to book ... isn't it? In terms of this match, I think Umaga's been too destroyed by playing the McMahons' lackey to really play the indestructable monster right now. He'll get his heat back at Summerslam against the Jackass boys ... they wouldn't want the belt on him for THAT would they? PREDICTION: Jeff Hardy, possibly due to some interference/causing some friction with his brother Matt.
TEXAS BULLROPE MATCH: Dusty Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
I think this will actually be a pretty good match - they're hiding the Dust's flaws in a match that suits his style, and that has lots of opportunity for questionable wins, for violence, and to create a really emotional moment with Dusty being hurt by the brash, cocky young Legend Killer. I also see a major opportunity for a Cody Rhodes heel turn here, which I think would be interesting. Poor Dusty - he just can't seem to keep the love of his sons. PREDICTION: Randy Orton's the longterm performer here; he will win, with the help of Cody, Dusty's son.
ECW TITLE MATCH: John (don't call me Nitro) Morrison vs. CM Punk
This is a toughie, because both guys, as Zah pointed out over at World Wrestling Insanity, are at a pretty precarious position in their career. John Morrison won the ECW title on a fluke, because Chris Benoit infamously and tragically no-showed a PPV at which he was supposed to win the ECW title. He had been doing the job pretty routinely for months, and has to prove he belongs on this level of playing field. However CM Punk has been chasing the ECW title for so long, it's time he prove he can play with the big boys. They need to very carefully arrange this so neither guy gets hurt in terms of their credibility. PREDICTION: Expect a confusing ending, in which neither guy wins, or else in which CM Punk wins in some questionable manner. I don't see Morrison rightfully holding onto the title here.
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH: The Great Khali vs. Kane vs. Batista
Big Dave should win this one here. Hands down. I have nothing else to say. Come back soon Edge, Undertaker ... PLEASE!!! We miss you. PREDICTION: Batista.
WWE Title Match: John Cena vs. Bobby Lashley
I sniff Triple H's onscreen return here - his first match back will be Summerslam, but his first TV appearance should not be given away for free if they're building him up so strongly. And I can't imagine him caring enough about any other match - except maybe the Orton-Rhodes one, as Orton put him AND his DX partner out of action - enough to be bothered. Regardless I'm sticking to my usual policy on this one ... PREDICTION: Bet on Cena. You'll only be wrong once.