Wrestlemania throws some curveballs

Damn…I thought I was going to be on the ball for the majority of the matches with my predictions, but the WWE threw a few curveballs at what was probably one of the better Wrestlemanias in a long time. Let's take a look at the results:

WWE Champion John Cena beat Triple H — I KNEW Cena was walking out with the belt. Even with HHH so over and Cena booed to hell and back during this match, you knew deep down that Cena was remaining champ. The strange thing was that HHH did the JOB again (WM X3) and TAPPED. Maybe it was because all his effort went into dressing like Conan before the match. Good match and I can't wait for the rematch at next month's PPV. Let's keep this feud going. (RAW SIDE NOTE) I loved how Edge got involved during Raw. It was also interesting to see Cena stay down after ONE pedigree. People's adrenaline must be different when they're not on a PPV!

World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle vs. Randy Orton vs. Rey Mysterio — I thought Orton would take this but silly me, the WWE gave it to Rey Mysterio. Does this we have to hear more “Eddie” stuff? Please, let it end. I see another triple threat rematch with Orton taking the belt. I don't think Mysterio will have it for more than two months. (RAW SIDE NOTE) As of writing this, it was announced that Mysterio and Orton will face off for the belt on Smackdown. When you read this, it'll have already taken place.

Mr. McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels (No Holds Barred Match) — Good match here! HBK gave it to Vince old school style (DX chops anyone? Oh yeah, HHH did some, too). Although I would like to see another one of these matches between these two, McMahon just got the crap beat out of him and it would be practically the same. You knew the match wasn't going to be too long when the Spirit Squad came out pretty quick. Bravo, HBK for carrying another match. (RAW SIDE NOTE) It was announced that HBK will take on Vince and Shane at the next PPV. Can they actually go another month with this storyline?

Money in the Bank Ladder Match - I predicted RVD to take the win and he did. So many good spots blew last year's MITB match out of the water. Fit Finley had more to do with it than I thought where Ric Flair and Bobby Lashley remained out of the picture for most of the match. One of the best spots of the night was when Shelton Benjamin jumped out of nowhere onto the ladder and RVD pushed the ladder that had Benjamin and Matt Hardy on it over the top rope. Poor Hardy hit his head pretty hard on the side of the ring. When will RVD cash his MITB in? People are betting at the next ECW PPV in June.

Undertaker vs. Mark Henry (Casket Match) — Yep, Taker won. Not as bad of a match as I thought it would be but it was totally overshadowed by other matches.

Edge vs. Mick Foley (Hardcore Match) — I knew Edge would take this, but I didn't think he would “take this” as far as he did. Props to Edge and I hope all the Edge haters realize that for years he's been awesome and he's even more awesome now. Let's get more Cena/Edge matches. Props to Foley for a match well done, too! This was one of the best matches of the night.

United States Champion Chris Benoit vs. JBL — You know, this one wasn't too bad, either. I thought Benoit would keep the strap but the ending was cheap enough from JBL to work. Rematch at the next Smackdown PPV, though and I think JBL will have this belt for a few months while Benoit moves onto the bigger belt again.

World Tag Team Champions Kane & Big Show vs. Chris Masters & Carlito — Why did Kane and the Big Show retain the belts? Explain this to me! There are practically no tag teams left (and MNM are left off the PPV?) and they're going to split Carlito and Masters up already? Damn it! Carlito was really over during this event and I see his “Face” turn coming soon. (RAW SIDE NOTE) We saw Carlito turn face and Show and Kane lose their belts to the Spirit Squad. I don't even think Joey Styles and the Jerry “The King” Lawler liked the WWE's decision with their comments.

Women's Champion Trish Stratus vs. Mickie James — This was one of the best matches of the nights with storytelling, action and crowd response. Mickie was SO over with the crowd that it was almost shocking. The botched end of the match really sucked but at least Mickie walked out as champ like I predicted. (RAW SIDE NOTE) It was funny to see Mickie come out looking like Trish and having her hair dyed blonde. I like her better as a brunette but what can you do when it's what's best for the storyline.

Boogeyman vs. Booker T & Sharmell — Booker made this match passable, only to lose to the Boogyman. I have no idea why and I'm not going to say much more.

Torrie Wilson vs. Candice Michelle (Playboy Pillow Fight) — Riddle me this: how come any time some of the girls pose in their lingerie or naked in Playboy but then get involved in this kind of match they do their damnest to keep their clothes on or cover up when stripped to their bra and panties? Candice did that and it boggles my mind. Oh yeah, Torrie “won” this one.

I'm glad that WM exceeded my expectations this year although there weren't any shocking things that occurred outside of the ring or seeing people come back or interfere. The whole thing about The Fink announcing Bret Hart was “too uncomfortable” to show up boggled my mind. Thanks for coming out to bow and thank your fans, Hitman. All in all, I would have to give WM 22 a 9 out of 10.

Have your bookie email Pete at popeyepopsolive@hotmail.com