Thursday, October 05, 2006

WWE No Mercy Predictions

It's once again time for Wrestleblogger predictions. This time around it's Smackdown's annual October PPV, No Mercy. I'll be honest, I'm not looking forward to this PPV as much as I usually look forward to PPVs. As usual I am joined by David. We are both trying to get back to our winning ways since we tied at the last PPV.

On to the picks...

Fatal 4-Way for The World Title
Booker T (c) v. Lashley v. Batista v. Finlay
I Say:
As I've done in the past with matches with 4 or more participants I will first eliminate who I know will not win. Out goes Finlay. He's never going to be a heavyweight champion in WWE. That leaves Booker, Batista, & Lashley. The reason that the original matches (Booker v. Lashley & Batista v. Finlay) were combined into one was because WWE felt that Lashley didn't have enough drawing power when it comes to PPV main events. Therefore I can eliminate him as well. If the WWE doesn't think he will draw in a main-event there is no reason that they would put the belt on him. That leaves Booker & Batista. I've read that the reason Batista was put into a feud with Finlay was because Batista wasn't as over as he once was and perhaps having him squash Finlay would help. I suppose that putting the belt back on Batista would help get him back over, but I can't see it happening here. I've got to eliminate Batista as well and pick Booker to retain. By the way, what happened to the stipulation from not too long ago that said that if Batista didn't defeat Booker that he wouldn't get another title shot?
David Says: It seems natural that that Booker and Finley will work against Batista and Lashley. Naturally with the title on the line alliances will break down. The best thing to do is start figuring out who WON'T win. It WON'T be Finley. It probably wont be Lashley. He's neither paid his dues nor has the feel of a heavyweght champ. King Booker has had the title for awhile now and Batista has always given the aura of the champ in waiting. My heart wants to see King Booker retain but my brain says go with Batista. Batista will be the new/old champ.


Undertaker v. Ken Kennedy
I Say:
I'm not sure if this match is for Kennedy's US Title. Even if it is I don't see 'Taker picking up the strap. He rarely wrestles and putting a belt on him in pointless. He may get one last World Title run before he retires, but that's the only belt he'll ever have. I really want to see Kennedy win, but it seems like every time he looks like he is starting to get pushed it always stalls out. I think that 'Taker will win. I'm looking for a Kennedy DQ.
David Says: For years internet smarts have claimed that the Undertaker was in the twilight of his career and planned to put over young talent. Meanwhile he's continued to steamroll over everyone in his path. HOWEVER, Undertaker as U.S. champ seems highly unlikely particularly since Undertaker is working a very light schedule. Mr. Kennedy will win but I just can't see him getting a clean pin. Perhaps he will park a Mack truck on Undertakers chest.


Falls Count Anywhere
Rey v. Chavo
I Say:
I really have no interest in this feud. I usually fast-forward through Rey/Chavo segments so for all I know this feud could be winding down. Either way I can't see Chavo following-up his Summerslam win with another victory. I'm going with Rey I expect Vicky to get involved somehow. Perhaps she'll turn heel and join Rey. Hopefully then the feud will be over. By 'over' I mean finished and not popular with the crowd.
David Says: This is a feud I know nothing about so I'm going with Mysterio with no commentary.


MVP debuts v. Mystery Opponent
I Say:
I always want to pick the mystery opponent to win and I usually do. I'm also usually wrong though. Judging by MVP's Deion Sanders-type ego I am guessing that he's a heel and therefore the mystery opponent will be a face. I think that it will be someone from the stable of babyface jobbers - Scotty 2 Hotty or Funaki. I'm hoping it will be Jimmy Wang Yang though. It would be a creative twist if after all of the phony hype and build-up surrounding MVP that he would struggle and lose. I don't see the WWE going that route though. I have to pick MVP to pick up his first Smackdown victory.
David Says: Mystery opponents always lose and why hype up a newcomer just to job him in his first match. The mysterious 'J' seems to think that someday mystery opponent will win. It just won't be this Sunday.


Gregory Helms v. Matt Hardy
I Say:
To be honest I didn't even know that this match was on the card and I'm not even sure if this match is for Helms' Cruiserweight Title, but I'll assume it's not. There are a few givens when it comes to wrestling. Things such as if you want a title shot just attack the champion no matter if you’re a mid-carder or a curtain jerker. Another given is that the champion always loses non-title matches. I'll go with that one and pick Hardy to win.
David Says: Gregory Helms?


Tag Team Championships
London & Kendrick (c) v. K.C. James & Idol Stevens

I Say: James and Stevens are still a bit too new for me to see them picking up the tag titles. Maybe @ Survivor Series or another event down the road, but not here at No Mercy. I always think that London and Kendrick will lose the belts and I'm always wrong. I'll pick them to win. It could come by DQ so James & Stevens don't look too bad though.
David Says: I don't even know who KC James and Idol Stevens are so I'll go with them because what the hey.


Summary
I picked Booker, Undertaker, Rey, MVP, Hardy, and London & Kendrick.
David Picked Batista, Kennedy, Rey, MVP, Helms, and James & Stevens.


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