Evolution - Predictions vs. How I Would Have Booked It

   Before the announcement was made, and even just reading rumors, there was a time when I was excited about the upcoming first time ever all women's WWE Pay-Per-View, Evolution.  It diminished slightly when WWE made the announcement of a match between Trish Stratus and Alexa Bliss.  Alexa's fine and all, but she's not as good as people make her out to be.  To be fair, she's also not as bad as people make her out to be.  However, there are many others I would have chosen to go head to head with Trish.  Soon after, WWE announced Lita vs. Mickie James.  I thought that was fine because it was between two performers that can go, though we've seen if before.  At some point, they merged these matches into a tag team encounter, which improved it.  However, the Trish/Alexa match announcement was still okay with me and definitely not a deal breaker.

   An awful rumor started soon after and until it was made official, I didn't want to believe it, nor did I take it as gospel.  Of course, I'm referring to the likely main event of the show, Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella for the Raw Women's Championship!  On what planet does that sound like a good match to anyone?  In what way does Nikki Bella deserve to main event this show, compete for a Championship, or be presented as a potential threat to Ronda Rousey?  Some argue that Nikki is WWE's most well-known female competitor other than Ronda and that her star power is why she is there.  I'm sorry, I think the media, and specifically, WWE's media are making her out to be more famous than she actually is.  In that respect, Ronda's notoriety absolutely demolishes Nikki's.  WWE likes to spin Nikki and her sister Brie, the Bella Twins, as the reason for the women's revolution and evolution.  That might be true, but for the wrong reasons.  They were the antithesis of the women's evolution.  They represent everything that was wrong with women's wrestling in years gone by.  Even if we forgive all that, how in wrestling logic does it make sense for Nikki to receive a Title shot?  Just because she turned on the person that happens to be Champion?  How does that make sense!  There are much more deserving women in my opinion to get this match.  The only way I'm okay with this is either if it's a two-minute squash or Karma comes back for one night only and attacks the Bellas, comeuppance after all these years.

   Then you have a throw away six-woman tag team match pitting the Riot Squad against Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Natalya.  I feel like we've seen forms of this match on Raw for the last six months!  Don't get me started on the Battle Royal!  I'm not against it and unlike the one at WrestleMania, this one at least gives you a future Title shot instead of a trophy that looks like female organs.  I get that it's happening so they can fit in everyone on the card.  However, it's the fact that Asuka of all people is in it.  How does Asuka not have her own specialty match?  Unless she's winning this, which can make it okay.  Even with a Title shot, I still feel like Asuka needs to be showcased better.  Honestly, WWE's just about ruined her since coming from NXT.

   That's not to say that the entire thing sounds horrible.  First of all, we've got the Mae Young Classic finals between Io Sharai and Toni Storm, which I think will blow every other match out of the water.  We've got the rematch for the NXT Women's Championship between Kairi Sane and Shayna Baszler to look forward to.  We may possibly see the UK Women's Championship be decided between inaugural Champion Rhea Ripley and another.  Also, despite WWE's nonsensical spin of Becky Lynch as a heel, she will be defending the Smackdown Women's Title against Charlotte Flair in a Last Woman Standing Match, which by the way is not the first.  I guess WWE is just going to ignore Asuka vs. Nikki Cross.  Does it not count because it happened in NXT?  Last I checked, NXT is part of WWE!  Even so, the match will be good.  There's enough to be positive about and I'll still watch it.  I just feel like they didn't put as much effort in as they could have.

PREDICTIONS

NXT UK Women's Title - Rhea Ripley vs. ?
   This one is hard to predict because no one really knows who Rhea's opponent it.  The NXT tapings that took place in August featured a tournament for the new NXT UK Women's Championship, which was won by Rhea Ripley.  However, those tapings have yet to air.  I think many people don't even know there is an NXT UK Women's Champion.  I've read rumors about her opponent being Isla Dawn, Killer Kelly, and several others.  Either way, I'm going with Rhea to retain considering she just won the Title.  No matter her opponent, this match will be good.  Her change in character from last year's Mae Young Classic to this year's has changed drastically and for the better.  She's a great wrestler, is a bad ass, and just looks like a star.

Six-Woman Tag Team Match - Riot Squad vs. Sasha Banks, Bayley, & Natalya
  Haven't we seen this on Raw?  It sure feels like it!  We've had basically every combination of babyface women against the Riot Squad on Raw since they arrived a year ago.  It should be okay but it's certainly nothing to get excited about.  I don't honestly care who wins.  I'll pick Sasha, Bayley, and Nattie just to keep the crowd happy.

NXT Women's Title - Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler
   This is now the forth match in their storied feud.  Of course, we all remember Kairi defeating Shayna to win the inaugural Mae Young Classic.  Shayna defeated Kairi on NXT television this year and at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn IV, Kairi defeated Shayna to become the NXT Women's Champion.  I was actually surprised by Kairi's win at Takeover, as I thought she'd come up short but then win at Evolution, followed by retaining against Shayna at War Games.  I've enjoyed the feud and certainly both can bring it in the ring.  I've got Kairi retaining, while Shayna goes up to either Raw or Smackdown in the near future.  While I'm usually skeptical about a call-up, considering how they've treated Asuka and had absolutely no plans for Ember Moon, I have high hopes for Shayna and I believe she will succeed.

Battle Royal
   This may be the obligatory battle royal to fit all the women in, but it does come with a great prize.  The winner will become number one contender for a Women's Championship in their respective brand.  This also has a mix of older wrestlers, as we'll see Ivory, Molly Holly, and Alundra Blayze, among others, in it.  I'm baffled as to how Asuka does not have a singles match on this card, which is why I'm choosing her to win here.  She needs a win badly to restore what little credibility she has left.  It should be fairly fun but ultimately, it's another match I care little for.

Mae Young Classic Finals - Toni Storm vs. Io Sharai
   As I stated before, I believe this match will steal the show.  Both women are incredible wrestlers and have put on great performances during the tournament.  Toni Storm's match with Meiko Satomura in the semi-finals was one of the most amazing matches I've ever seen, not just in the women's division but wrestling in general.  I'd be happy with either one winning and no matter the outcome, the fans are the real winners.  Io is already signed with NXT, as well as Storm, who has been reported to be on the NXT UK brand.  I could see this being Io's tournament to win, with a future storyline and Title opportunity against her real life best friend, Kairi Sane.  However, I really think it's Toni's time.  It's also amazing to note that she is just 22 years old and is one of the best wrestlers in the entire company, including all brands.

Trish Stratus & Lita vs. Alexa Bliss & Mickie James
   I went over this match earlier.  It doesn't do much for me, to be honest.  It's nice for Mickie James to be featured but I would have chosen other opponents for Team Bestie.  Not only that, we don't know for sure of Alexa will be cleared to wrestle, as she recently received a concussion.  Just in case, WWE has Alicia Fox ready to step in.  At the very least, her possible participation was at least explained in the story.  I think her inclusion makes the match less appealing, though.  I've got Trish and Lita going over here, as Mickie could take the fall.  However, if Alexa does not wrestler, I see Alicia taking the fall.

Smackdown Women's Title - Last Woman Standing Match - Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair
   For the life of me, I don't understand why WWE insists on painting Becky as the heel in the situation.  The fans refuse to boo her, no matter what she does!  Just go with it!  Besides, Charlotte works a lot better in the heel role.  I've heard Ric Flair may get involved in this match.  The result is up in the air to me.  My heart of hearts wants Becky to retain and move on.  However, based on WWE's track record and the fact that Becky has a jaw injury, it's possible Charlotte could win.  Bottom line, I'm choosing Becky whether that's realistic or not.  Rumors have been swirling since her debut that Ronda Rousey would be meeting Charlotte, likely the Royal Rumble winner, at next year's WrestleMania, possibly even in the main event.  That tells me Becky will retain.  However, it's possible we could see some kind of unification match between the two.  In that scenario, it kind of screws Becky.  On a side note, WWE is spinning this as their first ever Last Woman Standing Match when it is not.  That accolade goes to Asuka vs. Nikki Cross in NXT.

Raw Women's Title - Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella
   This match makes me want to vomit!  Nikki does not deserve a Title shot, the main event, or an interaction and match with Ronda Rousey.  Ronda is a star and WWE still claims Nikki is too.  I'm not saying Nikki and Brie aren't famous, but their star power is nowhere near Ronda's.  In her short time, Ronda, while a little green, is already better than Brie and at the very least on Nikki's level in the ring.  I understand Nikki is much better than she used to be, but that's not saying much.  She is the last person I thought should be Ronda's opponent at Evolution!  As for the winner, it has to be Ronda.  I know eventually Ronda must lose but Nikki is not and should not be the one to beat her.  In a perfect world, either Charlotte or Asuka will do the honors.  This match should be an absolute squash.  I don't care how much Nikki has improved!  It's bad enough they had Ronda sell a ridiculous amount for Alexa.  Even though I think it's still too early for Ronda to be Champion, that is the reality and as long as she's Champion, she should not be humanized just yet.  Nia Jax took Ronda to her limit but that was at least believable!  At the end of the day, I've got Ronda with the win.  You make call me full of it if you want but I will not be watching this match.  I'm turning off Evolution before this takes place because of how upset I am it's taking place.  I did the same for WrestleMania XXXIII, as I did not want to see the Undertaker lose again at WrestleMania.  To this day, I have not seen and refuse to watch the Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns and I'm setting myself up for the same for this match.  I'll wait until I read the results and if the result is something I'd enjoy, I'll eventually watch it.

HOW I WOULD BOOK IT

   Much like a former member of What Culture Wrestling, this is how I would book it...because I'm a smart ass!  I'll start from the bottom up.  My idea is somewhat in sync with WWE's in that there is going to be a mix of older superstars and current ones, as well as ones making names for themselves.  The "Evolution" is having superstars of the past against superstars right now, while the future superstars fight their way through and show the fans what they're all about.

MATCHES I'D KEEP THE SAME
Smackdown Women's Title Last Woman Standing Match - Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair
(winner: Becky Lynch)

NXT Women's Title - Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler
(winner: Kairi Sane)

UK Women's Title (if it happens) - Rhea Ripley vs. TBA
(winner: Rhea Ripley)

Mae Young Classic Finals - Toni Storm vs. Io Sharai
(winner: Toni Storm)

Women's Battle Royal - The only difference here is that Asuka will not be in it
(winner: Ember Moon)

Bella Twins vs. The Iconics
   As you could obviously tell, this means Nikki Bella would not be in the main event with Ronda Rousey.  I would have kept the Bellas babyface and specifically on Smackdown, since Brie had been having issues with Maryse, stemming from a feud between their husbands, Daniel Bryan and The Miz, respectively.  My set up would be The Iconics getting involved in the one on one contest between Brie and Maryse and cost Brie the match.  It makes perfect sense for the new girls on the block to go toe to toe with the original mean girls, the Bella Twins.  I'd have The Iconics go over.

Trish Stratus & Lita vs. Sasha Banks & Bayley 
   Sasha and Bayley were a big part of the women's evolution and I'd take them any day over any combination of Alexa Bliss, Mickie James, and Alicia Fox.  If any two women were more deserving to face Trish and Lita, it's Sasha and Bayley.  I thought about possibly putting Mickie James with Trish and Lita and adding Ember Moon to the other team but I'm going with this tag team match.  Sasha and Bayley grew up watching Trish and Lita so it seems like the natural progression for them to wrestle their heroes.

Asuka vs.  Beth Phoenix
   Asuka is someone that should be pushed more prominently than she is.  She was undefeated for so long and since losing to Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania, she hasn't quite been the same.  She's lost to Carmella and made to look like a fool twice since then, she went away for a short time, and is now somehow tag team partners and best friends with Naomi in a throw-away feud with The Iconics.  In order to establish her dominance again, who better to be her opponent and push her to the limit than the Glamazon herself, Beth Phoenix.  I think Beth will be on commentary as she's been for this year's Mae Young Classic but judging by her performance in the Royal Rumble this year, it's clear she can still go.  This would be another incredible passing of the torch.

Raw Women's Title - Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya
   For this Pay-Per-View, my main event would be Becky vs. Charlotte, considering the magnitude of their feud.  I think it even takes precedence over something like Ronda's star power.  However, this match would be just before the main event.  I can't think of a more deserving person to have a match with Ronda than Natalya.  Nattie helped train Ronda in the ring and has a legitimate friendship with her outside the ring.  They both could even dedicate their match to Nattie's recently late father, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart.  Natalya getting a Title shot would be great.  No matter who her opponent is, I'd still have Ronda win, but losing to Ronda doesn't exactly ruin one's reputation.  It's also been long rumored for Natalya to turn on Ronda, which could stem from this.  In fact, to justify it's status as deserving of the main event, the turn could have already happened.

   Overall, I basically made some minor changes.  My only complaints were Nikki in the main event, wanting better opponents for Trish and Lita, and to have Asuka featured in a singles match away from the Battle Royal.  The rest, as I said, could stay exactly the same.  This is just how I myself would book Evolution.  I also thought about Ronda facing Beth Phoenix while Asuka faces recent MYC standout, Meiko Satomura.  I'm just not as excited about this as I should be. 

Devolution

   Before it was announced, many fans speculated that WWE would one day put on an all women's Pay-Per-View.  Sure enough, we learned that day would come on October 28th in the form of "Evolution," an homage to the women's revolution that turned into an evolution.  Soon after, rumors began, speculating about the matches that would occur on the show.  When Stephanie McMahon made the announcement, because of course she did, she mentioned over 50 female superstars from the past and present will be part of it.  During SummerSlam weekend, the first match was announced, Trish Stratus vs. Alexa Bliss, which was met with mixed reactions, to put it nicely.  When fans learned about the rumored and eventual true main event in Ronda Rousey vs. Nikki Bella, the reaction was nuclear.  The way things are going, especially with the latter match, (not to be confused with a Ladder match), it seems a little backwards to me.

   Evolution is supposed to mean growth and advancement, especially when it comes to the women's division in WWE.  Let's start with this main event, shall we?  I am completely fine with Ronda Rousey in this spot, as she is a major star and has improved by leaps and bounds since her debut match at WrestleMania.  While I think they hot shotted her to the Raw Women's Championship, she is the current Champion and I understand it.  Some say the reasoning for Nikki Bella being involved is that she is the most well known woman in the current landscape of WWE's women's division and the star power she has, along with Ronda's, would make the match seem important.  That couldn't be further from the truth!  I don't think her level of star power is nearly as high as WWE tells us it is. I can't speak for everyone but there are many fans that hate this, and I'm one of them.  Nikki and her sister Brie are the epitome of why the women's division needed to evolve.  They were and still are everything wrong with the women's division.  To me, those two are Divas all the way, a term WWE finally disposed of two years ago.

   Nikki has certainly gotten better but that's not saying much.  Brie seems to be getting worse, but she was never that good anyway.  Don't give me the excuse of ring rust due to her pregnancy!  She's always been bad.  Also, they are both awful actors and horrible on the mic.  I put the Bella Twins in the same category with Divas like Eva Marie, Kelly Kelly, and the like.  If the argument is star power, I think Ronda has enough by herself that would make most opponents for her make the match a big deal.  I can think of plenty of more deserving women for this match.  Sasha Banks has some kind of "injury," Bayley is doing nothing, and poor Asuka has been nearly ruined in WWE.  All of these women, even more respected veterans like Natalya and Mickie James deserve the match with Ronda much more than Nikki Bella.  

   As for what I would do, my ideal opponent for Ronda is Natalya.  Nattie doesn't have to win to be looked at as a good opponent for Ronda.  Just being there would give her the proper respect she has earned.  Also, her being Ronda's opponent makes much more sense than Nikki Bella, even if they've teased her involvement for over a month.  Natalya has more history with Ronda and it could be a match out of respect or a heel turn.  Either way, it would be more well received by the fans.  Otherwise, newer women like the others I mentioned could use the opportunity.  Natalya, however, is more respected and a much better choice than Nikki.  Don't get me wrong, the Bella Twins can still serve a purpose.  I'd put them against the Iconics and have the Iconics go over.  It seems like a better match placement to me.

   Let's go back to the first match that was announced, Trish Stratus vs. Alexa Bliss.  As far as the theme of trailblazers to current women, I get why this match was announced.  However, much like the other match I've been talking about, I think there are other women more deserving to face Trish than Alexa.  Another match that was announced was Mickie James vs. Lita.  That's certainly nothing to complain about, but I think it deviates slightly from the show's name and purpose.  On Raw this week, due to the underwhelming response to the Trish/Alexa match, WWE seemed to rectify the situation by combining these matches into a tag team encounter.  Trish and Lita have long been known to be best friends in and out of the ring.  Meanwhile, Mickie has been aligned with Alexa for the past two years.  Combining the matches makes sense and I believe it will be a better match.  Alexa is okay but she's not exactly the best in-ring woman in the business.  Having the match contain three experienced legends helps it significantly.  Even so, I wish we could have gotten Trish vs. Sasha Banks and Lita vs. Bayley.

   As for the rest of the card, it's still speculation.  The only other matches that have been confirmed are Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women's Title and the finals of the Mae Young Classic, likely between Toni Storm and Io Sharai, which, in my opinion will blow every other match out of the water.  They've also announced a Last Woman Standing Match for the Smackdown Women's Title between Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.  Despite WWE spinning the wrong narrative of Becky being the heel, this should be a good match.  I may be complaining but I'm start enough to know that a couple of things I disagree with should not ruin the entire show for me.  There will also be a defense of the NXT UK Women's Title featuring Champion Rhea Ripley.

   What else could be in store for Evolution?  Unfortunately, Asuka has been an afterthought and someone who was once looked at as special.  She is someone that needs to get back on track.  Perhaps a match against Ember Moon would be good but then again, Ember could also use a win.  Now that Naomi's feud with the Iconics is over, they should move Asuka away from her.  Asuka could face Nia Jax but we've seen that both in NXT and on the main roster.  For me, the perfect opponent for her would be another legend, Beth Phoenix.  Just picturing the Glamazon vs. the Empress of Tomorrow sounds amazing.  We already know Beth will be there, and she is once again calling the Mae Young Classic.  Recently, Bayley tweeted at Ivory about a match but I don't think Ivory will be wrestling.  Would it be completely out of the question to see Alundra Blayze in the ring one more time? Who knows?

   Again, I'm not going to let some things I disagree with ruin an entire show for myself.  I have no problem with Nikki Bella being part of the show, but I definitely think she should not be involved in the main event.  It also doesn't make sense to have the Bellas heel now when Brie was just side by side with her husband Daniel Bryan against Maryse & The Miz.  Ronda being larger than life still needs to be maintained.  While she did a great job selling against Alexa at Hell In a Cell, I think she sold too much and now she needs to sell against Nikki.  These are two opponents that shouldn't be in Ronda's league, despite her inexperience.  They're humanizing her too quickly in my opinion.  I worry about the future of some of the women in NXT, NXT UK, or the Performance Center when they come up to Raw and Smackdown.  Sasha, Bayley, and Asuka, to name a few, have been treated poorly.

   As much as an issue the women's division and Evolution is, I believe the problem goes way beyond just that.  It's affecting the entire company in general.  Raw's ratings have been the lowest they have ever been as of late.  That is directly why Raw this week was much better in comparison.  I hate to say it, but WWE seems to push only one person on that roster and does not build new stars, which is why they have to rely on older ones.  I can't blame it all on Vince McMahon.  I think the problem is the yes men he surrounds himself with, such as John Laurenitas, and especially Kevin Dunne, who has the most backwards thinking, specifically towards the women.  I truly believe that when Vince passes his company to Triple H and Stephanie that they will get rid of Kevin Dunne.  Triple H especially has grown NXT to become the brand it is today and truly understands how to grow the business.  It will be in good hands!  What are your opinions on the topic?  Some of it just seems more like a devolution to me.

 If you have any further thoughts on this topic, let me know in comments.  Heck, let us all know on The WAR Report podcast, every Tuesday at 7PM EST on YouTube, brought to you by tagmeadate.com, the first and only dating site for wrestling fans.  Go to askthewarreport@gmail.com or #askthewarreport.  For TagMeADate members, our Android and Apple apps are vastly approaching so stay tuned!
https://tagmeadate.com/

Comeback Matches For Shawn Michaels

   I was of the opinion that Shawn Michaels shouldn't and doesn't need to wrestle again based on the amazing retirement and sendoff WWE gave him.  Also, I wanted Michaels to truly be the one guy, the one wrestler that stayed retired.  At the end of the day, this is his decision and I'll support it, even if I disagree with it.  However, don't mistake my opinion for me not being excited about him wrestling again.  I know that sounds contradictory but so be it.  The little kid in me is happy about this.  Also, let's be honest; if you or I were offered whatever amount of money this is taking, we'd all do it. 

   Now that we know for sure that Shawn Michaels is coming out of retirement, I wanted to make a list of the matches he should be involved in.  I said "matches" because he's rumored to participate in up to five and frankly, as cool as Degeneration X vs. The Brothers of Destruction is, I don't want that match to be his one off, nor do I want it to be at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia.  With that being said, I've got five matches for HBK that I'd like to see and in the order I'd like to see them in.  The speculation as to whether he wrestles again is over so I've made peace with it and decided to be positive about it.

Degeneration X vs. Brothers of Destruction - Crown Jewel

   Before the match between Triple H and the Undertaker took place at Super Showdown, hints were already placed for Shawn Michaels' return.  He seconded Triple H to the ring while the Undertaker had his brother Kane in his corner.  After the match, a show of mutual respect was shown between all four men.  However, the Brothers of Destruction soon turned on Triple H and Michaels.  The latter showed up on Raw soon after to reform Degeneration X and challenge the brothers to a match at Crown Jewel on November 2.  This is a match I've always wanted to see and I'm surprised it is happening in 2018 of all years.  It would actually be fitting if this was inside Hell In a Cell, although we just saw that Pay-Per-View last month.  This will likely lead to another one on one match between Michaels and the Undertaker.  As for the result, I believe the Brothers of Destruction should take the victory.

Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker - Survivor Series

   You're going to think I'm crazy for suggesting that a WrestleMania worthy match should take place at the Survivor Series.  Well, I've got my reasons.  For one thing, these two already fought at two WrestleManias, one of which led to Shawn's career ending.  Secondly, there's other matches I and other fans would like to see Shawn Michaels involved in that could use the WrestleMania treatment.  Thirdly, I feel the Undertaker should retire and believe he wants Michaels to be the one to do it.  Even though the Undertaker had an amazing WrestleMania streak, how fitting would it be for his last match to be at the event where he made his debut, the Survivor Series?  In case you haven't guessed, I have Michaels winning this match.

Shawn Michaels vs. Johnny Gargano - NXT Takeover: Phoenix

   Shawn Michaels is one of the most well respected legends in the business.  These days, he is helping out the next generation in NXT's Performance Center, giving back.  One of the wrestlers who has been influenced by Shawn Michaels is Johnny Gargano.  At the Performance Center, Michaels has helped Gargano with his progress, among other things.  This match could be monumental for someone like Gargano, as well as for NXT as a whole.  A main roster star would be big enough to for a Takeover but a legend like Michaels would take it to another level.  Having a superstar of this magnitude wrestling at an NXT event would be amazing.  While there are many other talented individuals down in NXT that could use the rub, it would mean more if his opponent was Johnny Wrestling.  Win or lose, Gargano would gain from this match.  However, I think Gargano should pick up the win, as the momentum could lead to finally defeating Tomasso Ciampa at Takeover the night before WrestleMania to become the NXT Champion.

Shawn Michaels vs. Daniel Bryan - Elimination Chamber

   Another wrestler that has been largely influenced by Shawn Michaels is Daniel Bryan.  Michaels and William Regal are responsible for training Daniel Bryan.  Bryan wrestled Regal in 2010 but has not faced Michaels.  In fact, when NXT was in it's infancy, Michaels retired from the ring.  Similar to Michaels, Daniel Bryan made a return to the ring after a long absence and injury.  He came back at this past WrestleMania and has since been wrestling great matches on the Smackdown brand. Michaels and Bryan could put on a show.  Although I consider this match important, there is one match I will put above the rest as Michaels' final five within this short return.  While Bryan could certainly benefit from a win, I have Michaels going over here, perhaps with some unwanted assistance by The Miz during the match, leading to a Miz/Bryan blow off match at WrestleMania.

Shawn Michaels vs. AJ Styles - WrestleMania XXXV

   If ever there was a dream match, this is it!  Even if it will be between a 53-year-old Michaels and a 41-year-old Styles, this is certainly worthy of a WrestleMania.  This is a match for the ages, which is why I chose this as Michaels' WrestleMania match over the Undertaker, with whom he already had two WrestleMania matches.  This is a match many have wanted to see and there is a strong possibility we could see it happen next year.  It also excites me because I will be in attendance for the event.  I'd have AJ take the win here in an epic battle.  Are there any other matches you would like to see when it comes to Shawn Michaels?  I'm sure superstars are lining up for the chance to take on HB Shizzle.  

 If you have any further thoughts on this topic, let me know in comments.  Heck, let us all know on The WAR Report podcast, every Tuesday at 7PM EST on YouTube, brought to you by tagmeadate.com, the first and only dating site for wrestling fans.  Go to askthewarreport@gmail.com or #askthewarreport.  For TagMeADate members, our Android and Apple apps are vastly approaching so stay tuned!
https://tagmeadate.com/

Super Showdown Predictions

   Other than the Undertaker against Triple H, I don't really care what happens at this event in Australia.  Of course, I'd also be happy if Samoa Joe ends up taking the WWE Championship.  Much like the Greatest Royal Rumble this past April in Saudi Arabia, this is also a glorified House Show to me.  In fact, I disliked that event enough that I didn't bother to review it.  Speaking of which, I think people are misinterpreting the word "Greatest."  I believe the this term was used to describe the amount of competitors and not in the subjective way.  In my personal opinion, the 1992 Royal Rumble was the greatest Royal Rumble in terms of entertainment.  Back to the heart of the matter, I'm here to give my predictions for this event.

Cruiserweight Title - Cedric Alexander vs. Buddy Murphy

   I'm going back and forth with the winner of this match.  I'm tempted to choose Murphy as the winner, being that Australia is his home country.  Also, should he win, he'd be the first Australian born wrestler to win a singles Championship in WWE.  Murphy has the distinction of having been the first Australian born wrestler to win any Championship in WWE, as he won the NXT Tag Team Titles along with Wesley Blake.  Then again, WWE has the tendency to have wrestlers lose in their home countries.  That's why I'm having a hard time choosing the winner.  Ultimately, I don't really care, as I don't watch 205 Live and consider it purgatory in WWE, where once someone is called up from NXT gets lost there.  For instance, I feel 205 Live and the Cruiserweight Division itself type casts wrestlers and Cedric himself is too talented to be stuck in 205 Live.  I'm going with Cedric to retain. although I expect Murphy to get a tremendous response from the Aussie crowd.

The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan

   I originally had The Miz winning the match, along with his win over Bryan at SummerSlam.  However, since I see Samoa Joe becoming the WWE Champion, I have Daniel Bryan taking the win here.  Since this is for number one contender, Bryan wins and goes on to face new WWE Champion Samoa Joe after AJ gets his rematch.  The Miz then screws Bryan out of the Title and they continue their feud towards WrestleMania next year.  Before Samoa Joe was in the picture, I originally had Miz defeating AJ for the Title, Bryan winning the Rumble, and then beating Miz at WrestleMania.

Ronda Rousey & Bella Twins vs. Riot Squad

    It has been speculated for quite some time that Ronda Rousey will be defending the Raw Women's Title at Evolution at the end of the month against Nikki Bella.  Though that is unfortunately likely, I think we may not actual see that, as the story just wouldn't make sense just weeks away from Evolution.  Besides not wanting to see the match, I feel it might not be safe for Nikki, with a fragile neck, against Ronda, who is still pretty fresh.  Also, it's odd with Brie also having a rivalry along with her husband Daniel Bryan with Maryse and The Miz on Smackdown, while possibly playing heel at the same time on Raw.  Not to mention, Brie's recent botch in giving Liv Morgan a concussion.  If you've noticed, Natalya is always in the background but always close by to what Ronda is doing.  I have Ronda and the Bellas winning with the Bellas giving the ring to Ronda to celebrate.  Afterwards, Natalya comes out to congratulate Ronda, only to turn on her, setting up a match for Evolution.

Smackdown Women's Title - Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair

   Just after SummerSlam, I predicted Becky and Charlotte to perform an Austin/Hart like double turn at Hell In a Cell, followed by Charlotte cheating to retain here at Super Showdown, followed by Becky finally winning at Evolution.  With the current circumstances and with Becky now Champion, I have her retaining over Charlotte here.  WWE seems dead set on presenting Becky as a heel but the fans just aren't going for it.  We've made our choice and that choice is Becky Lynch!

The Iconics vs. Naomi & Asuka

    Similar to Buddy Murphy's situation could be Peyton Royce and Billie Kay, with the Australian duo possibly losing in their home country.  That's my pick, regardless of where they are.  I just don't think Asuka can afford to lose again.  I'm sorry, but she's almost been ruined.  I don't really care about this match going in, to be honest.




Bobby Lashey & John Cena vs. Elias & Kevin Owens

   I'm thinking a little outside the box here.  While normally it would be a no-brainer having Lashley and Cena winning, frankly, Elias and KO need the win more.  Therefore, I'm choosing the latter to go over.  However, it won't be clean.  In fact, the win will be caused by Lashley turning on Cena.  I feel like Lio Rush could be that antagonizing nuisance alongside Lashley and take bumps from Cena.  You heard it here first.  Lashley's turning, giving the win to Elias and Kevin Owens.

Smackdown Tag Team Titles - The New Day vs. The Bar

   With The New Day only just winning the Titles the day after SummerSlam, I don't see them losing just yet.  The Bar is a great team and Sheamus and Cesaro have proven that every day, along with a few reigns as Champions themselves.  While The Bar is a formidable team, I'm picking The New Day here to retain and remain Champions at least until the end of the year.  Either way, the match will be entertaining and that's what matters the most.

WWE Title (No Count Out/No DQ) - AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe

    As I've stated in my prediction for the Daniel Bryan/Miz match, I've got Samoa Joe all the way, becoming the new WWE Champion.  I think it's long overdue and I believe AJ is truly on his last legs of his second reign with the Title.  As for the future of the Championship, it's hard to say.  I'd have Joe and AJ have one more match at Survivor Series, while Daniel Bryan gets his shot in December, getting screwed by The Miz/  As for the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, I'd be thrilled if Rusev is given the honor.

The Shield vs. Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, and Dolph Ziggler

   This mess has been going on since SummerSlam.  WWE nonsensically turned their biggest babyface in Braun to a heel for an unnecessary Shield reunion, just to get Roman Reigns over.  They've sacrificed almost the entire Raw roster trying to make Roman the number one guy.  Meanwhile, you've got both the Raw Tag Team Titles and Seth Rollins' Intercontinental Title taking the backseat to the Roman agenda.  Lately, a heel turn by Dean Ambrose has been teased.  However, I feel like it's been teased so much that we're expecting it; therefore, it won't happen just yet.  I have the Shield winning due to a miscommunication by the other team, possibly leading to a defection by McIntyre.

Triple H vs. The Undertaker - One Last Time

   Let's face it!  Going into this event, this is the most important and talked about match.  Triple H will have his best friend and fellow DX member Shawn Michaels in his corner, while the Undertaker will have his Brother of Destruction Kane in his.  Most are speculating that this is just a set up for Michaels' in ring return from retirement.  Since we will witness all four of these men, the natural next step is for the teams to face each other at either WWE Crown Jewel or the Survivor Series, ultimately leading to Michaels and Taker one more time at WrestleMania next year.  I'm going with Triple H getting the win.  I wanted to get these all in before the show starts in just under four hours in Australia.

 If you have any further thoughts on this topic, let me know in comments.  Heck, let us all know on The WAR Report podcast, every Tuesday at 7PM EST on YouTube, brought to you by tagmeadate.com, the first and only dating site for wrestling fans.  Go to askthewarreport@gmail.com or #askthewarreport.  For TagMeADate members, our Android and Apple apps are vastly approaching so stay tuned!
https://tagmeadate.com/