If you caught Raw tonight, you saw the beginnings of the shake-up of the rosters in WWE.  The full list of changes, from WWE.com, is -

To Raw
Evan Bourne
Jack Swagger
Mark Henry
Alicia Fox
Gail Kim

To Smackdown
Matt Hardy
Finlay
Tyson Kidd
David Hart Smith
Natalya

To ECW
Shelton Benjamin
Goldust
William Regal
Brie Bella
Nikki Bella

I can't say I'm not excited about the changes for Raw.  I do have one problem, though.  If Vince wants to shake things up, why did every superstar who's been with WWE longer win his/her match tonight?  Sure, Big Show and Kofi Kingston went to a double count-out, but that was it.  Every other match (you can check) was won by the senior member of the roster.  If you want to really shake things up, why not put someone new over? 

That's not to say I didn't love the show.  It was a really solid show and it's obvious they're trying to pull the ratings in for Raw.  I just wish someone new went over.  Mark Henry, while I loved that he won and I am glad for that decision, has been with WWE for a LONG time.  He definitely deserved the win, but why did MVP lose so easily to a badly-injured HHH?  Evan Bourne got some good offense in, but again, Randy Orton is coming off of a rough PPV win and was obviously in bad shape.  Jack Swagger taking the loss - I can deal with that, since the title wasn't on the line. 

And The Miz did get a much better showing tonight.  I hope what they're doing is a series of matches where Miz improves every time until he beats John Cena - though that sounds like a storyline for a babyface. 

Wow, though, ECW sure got gutted.  I assumed every show was losing 5 members and gaining 5, but that wasn't the case. 

How come Christian didn't get moved?  Didn't they hear the chants for him last night at The Bash when Edge came out?  I'll hope they have plans already in mind for him and just didn't want to start them up just yet.

The Bash is this Sunday night so it's time to get my predictions in.  I'm taking on thephenom in a rematch from Slammiversary in the Cletus Challenge.  If anyone else wants to be in on it, let me know.  I'll take one more person.

My personal opinion on this show is that a majority of the heels should go over.  Then Night of the Champions with perhaps even more heels going over and taking titles.  Leading into SummerSlam, where we'll get the payoff for all the feuds.  Build to that show like it's WrestleMania for once.

The Bash (2009) Predictions from http://www.fourdown.org/WWE_The_Bash_2009
http://www.fourdown.org/users/cletus42o

Extreme Rules: #177 (Site) -- #10 (League: WrestleHut 2000)
Judgment Day: #35 (Site) -- #5 (League: WrestleHut 2000)
Backlash: #279 (Site) -- #28 (League: WrestleHut 2000)

*** 3 Stages of Hell Match, for the WWE Championship
Triple H vs. Randy Orton (c) 

My Prediction: Randy Orton

My Thoughts: If Triple H wins, that's what, two PPVs in a row that Randy Orton has lost the title?  Not very good for him!  I don't think he's going to drop it here, it wouldn't make sense.  Especially since the Orton/HHH program is likely lasting until SummerSlam.  Much to our chagrin.

*** Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk (c) 

My Prediction: CM Punk, Pinfall, No - no interference

My Thoughts: Jeff Hardy isn't getting the title for more than 2 minutes until he agrees to stay with WWE.  This will be a good win to cement Punk in the main event scene.  I'm definitely looking forward to this match.

*** Match for the ECW Championship
Finlay vs. Mark Henry vs. Jack Swagger vs. Christian vs. Tommy Dreamer (c) 

My Prediction: Mark Henry

My Thoughts: Time to shake things up on ECW.  It's been all about Christian, Swagger, and Dreamer for a while, I'd like to see something new.  I'm ready to see Henry with the strap again.  Build to Swagger vs Henry down the line.  Put Henry over the now-face Kozlov, then have him beat Christian, and then make Swagger vs Henry a big time match at SummerSlam.

*** Match for the Intercontinental Championship
Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho (c) 

My Prediction: Rey Mysterio, Pinfall, No - no interference

My Thoughts: They're not going to get rid of Rey's mask.  It's not happening.  Maybe a returning Kane (with mask!) can end up helping Rey pick up this win, though I didn't mark down interference for the match.  I might change that - I think it'd be an interesting way to end this feud and move Jericho into a new one.  Kane, back to his mask, would now understand Rey and help him as an apology for their feud earlier on Raw.  (plus, Kane mask = new merchandise, why not?)

*** Match for the World Tag Team Championship
Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase Jr vs. Carlito (c)  & Primo Colon (c) 

My Prediction: Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase Jr, Pinfall, Yes - interference

My Thoughts: I am predicting Legacy will be leaving this PPV with everyone having a title.  Leads right into Night of the Champions where Legacy is getting challenged for their titles.

*** John Cena vs. The Miz

My Prediction: John Cena, DQ

My Thoughts: Either Big Show interference or The Miz will resort to weapons.  Keeps Miz/Cena going without burying Miz or having Cena take the fall.  It's not like Cena has another program to move into after this, so keep it going strong.  Plus, the card has a LOT of matches - a quick DQ finish is something I expect somewhere on the show.

*** Match for the Women's Championship
Michelle McCool vs. Melina (c) 

My Prediction: Michelle McCool, Pinfall

My Thoughts: Just another heel going over and taking a title.  I feel like the women's division on Smackdown is a little stale right now.

*** The Great Khali vs. Dolph Ziggler

My Prediction: Dolph Ziggler

My Thoughts: Ziggler needs the win, Khali doesn't.  Simple as that. 

*** Will the 3 Stages of Hell match go to the Stretcher Match for a 3rd fall?

My Prediction: No, the match will be decided in the first two falls

My Thoughts: Here's where I get a little tricky in my predictions.  I think Orton should go over in the first two falls, with help from the new tag team champions Priceless.  It helps keep the feud going since they want it to, and it's unexpected.  Generally these kinds of matches ALWAYS go to the third fall.  Why not change things up for once so the next time it happens, people aren't so sure?

*** Will Chris Jericho completely unmask Rey Mysterio during their match?

My Prediction: No

My Thoughts: I'm sure he'll try, but perhaps that will be the reason why he loses.  Rey could always have another mask on underneath, too.

*** How many times will the interim champion change in the ECW Championship Scramble?

My Prediction: 6 to 10

My Thoughts: I think it will be a fast-paced match with a lot of falls.  All 5 of the guys involved are being pushed as being more than capable of holding the title, and that's a good thing.

*** How many times will Tommy Dreamer become interim champion in the Scramble match?

My Prediction: 2

My Thoughts: Just a random pick!  I think he'll pick one up early, then one near the end, only to be the one to take the fall. 

*** Who will be the last entrant in the ECW Championship Scramble?

My Prediction: Jack Swagger

My Thoughts: It's a toss-up for me between him and Henry.

*** Who will be the person pinned/submitted in the last fall of the ECW Championship Scramble?

My Prediction: Tommy Dreamer

My Thoughts: This way, the person who wins the title will have pinned the current champion.  It's the right way to do it.  Though I suppose if he doesn't, Dreamer has a case for a rematch for the title.

*** Who will be pinned/submitted in the Unified Tag Team Championship match?

My Prediction: Carlito

*** How many titles will change hands at The Bash?

My Prediction: 3 or more

I don't follow TNA that closely, but I am getting challenged by thephenom tonight in the Cletus Challenge so I've gotta get my predictions posted.  I'll still give my thoughts on why I picked each match/question the way I did below..

Slammiversary (2009) Predictions from http://www.fourdown.org/TNA_Slammiversary_2009
http://www.fourdown.org/users/cletus42o

Sacrifice: #133 (Site) -- #6 (League: WrestleHut 2000)
Lockdown: #532 (Site) -- #39 (League: WrestleHut 2000)
Destination X: #43 (Site) -- #3 (League: WrestleHut 2000)

*** King of the Mountain Match, for the World Heavyweight Championship
Mick Foley (c)  vs. Jeff Jarrett vs. AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe vs. Kurt Angle

My Prediction: Jeff Jarrett

My Thoughts: He's the "King of the Mountain" so he is the most obvious choice to go over in this match.  I'm not thrilled to see him with the belt again, but I doubt he'd hold onto it for that long. 

*** King of the Mountain Match, for the X Division Championship
Suicide (c)  vs. Jay Lethal vs. Consequences Creed vs. Alex Shelley vs. Chris Sabin

My Prediction: Suicide

My Thoughts: I think it makes sense to keep the title on Suicide.  I don't think the character will last that long after he eventually loses the belt, so why not keep it going for a little longer?

*** Match for the World Tag Team Championship
James Storm & Robert Roode vs. Brother Ray (c)  & Brother D-Von (c) 

My Prediction: James Storm & Robert Roode, Pinfall, No - no interference

My Thoughts: If there isn't a title change here, it'll feel like this whole Team 3D invitational was for nothing.

*** Match for the Women's Championship
Tara vs. Angelina Love (c) 

My Prediction: Tara, Pinfall, Yes - interference

My Thoughts: With Tara (WWE's Victoria) just debuting, it'd hurt her impact to lose her first big match back.  Plus, TNA loves WWE stars - I would be surprised if she didn't go over.

*** Shane Douglas vs. Christopher Daniels

My Prediction: Christopher Daniels, Pinfall, Yes - interference

My Thoughts: Since Daniels' roster spot is on the line, I'd be shocked for him to lose.  How many times can he lose his spot on the TNA roster? 

*** Eric Young & Rhino vs. Doug Williams & Brutus Magnus

My Prediction: Doug Williams & Brutus Magnus, Pinfall, No - no interference

My Thoughts: Since Young is in a heel turn, it makes sense for his team to lose.  Potentially setting up a Young vs Rhino match down the line. 

*** Matt Morgan vs. Sting

My Prediction: Sting, Pinfall, Yes - interference

My Thoughts: I would be SHOCKED if Morgan wins this match.  The only way I can see that is if it's by DQ.

*** Monster's Ball Match,
Daffney & Raven vs. Abyss & Taylor Wilde

My Prediction: Abyss & Taylor Wilde

My Thoughts: Didn't we just have a Monster's Ball match at the last PPV?  I hate these matches.  I just went with my gut on this one.

*** Will Tazz appear live during Slammiversary?

My Prediction: No

My Thoughts: Not til next month!

*** By pinning/submitting whom will AJ Styles become eligible to win the King of the Mountain match?

My Prediction: Samoa Joe

My Thoughts: They ARE buddies, right?  Why wouldn't they each let the other pin him, so both become eligible immediately?  LOGIC!  Does TNA have it?

*** By pinning/submitting whom will Kurt Angle become eligible to win the King of the Mountain match?

My Prediction: Mick Foley

My Thoughts: I'd assume if Jarrett wins the title, Angle vs Jarrett for the title would be coming up.  So don't let Angle pin Jarrett during the match.

*** Who will be pinned or made to submit in the TNA Tag Team Championship match?

My Prediction: Brother Ray

My Thoughts: Just a guess here!

*** Who will be the legal man for the winning team in Young/Rhino vs The British Invasion?

My Prediction: Brutus Magnus

My Thoughts: Another guess. :)

*** How many titles will change hands at Slammiversary?

My Prediction: 2

My Thoughts: Technically I picked more than 2 changes, but I don't like to put all my eggs in one basket.

With Vickie Guerrero gone from WWE (at least for now), the GM spot is once again wide open.  Feels like this is happening way more often than it used to.  Didn't we go from Regal to Adamle to McMahon(s) to Vickie in less than 2 years?

I'll run through the most likely candidates first.

Ric Flair - Next week's Raw is live from Charlotte, and we've seen plenty of involvement from Flair in the last few weeks.  I think it's a great role to put him in.  I enjoy seeing Flair on TV, though I'm not interested in seeing him wrestle or be too involved with storylines.  (unless we get a match with Steamboat!)  In the GM role, let him put together matches and intervene in angles only when a GM would normally step in.  The only problem I have with him as GM is that Randy Orton is already coming off of a pretty solid loss and Flair would logically have to target Orton.  I would've liked it if he had turned on Batista, and then was a heel GM - but it's too late to do that now.

William Regal - As former Raw GM, he's "got the qualifications."  He's been losing on Raw lately, almost as if they are phasing him back out of a wrestling role.  Apparently WWE has known Vickie would be leaving for a month - so they could have been jobbing Regal out knowing he'd be made GM in a month.  I would be disappointed with this choice since it's nothing new, we've been there and it wasn't that long ago.  He is great in the role, but I'd rather see something different.

A McMahon - Vince, Shane, or Stephanie could easily step into the role, either temporarily or indefinitely.  As with Flair, I would be concerned because all three McMahons would have to go after Orton (and uh..  maybe fire him like Vince had planned?).  I'd enjoy Shane on TV more, but I think all three McMahons should stay off TV at least until we're nearing WrestleMania 26. 

And for a few unlikely candidates -

"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase - He's a character just about everyone enjoys.  You get the added bonus of completely fresh storylines about his relationship with his son and how he feels about him being in Legacy.  We haven't seen Dusty comment on TV about Cody, as far as I know.  So this would open up the possibility of Dusty coming in for a couple of weeks, too.  Of course, Million Dollar Man did feud with Dusty in WWE - could always have the Raw GM turn on Dusty and back his son and Legacy.  I'd like this choice, possibly just run with him as GM for 4-5 months to do something like the above scenario and then move to another new GM.  (a permanent one, preferably)

Shawn Michaels - As former commissioner of Raw, he's technically got the credentials for the job.  If he's planning on taking a break from wrestling for a bit longer, this is a great way to keep him on TV.  You can also use the GM role to build up to his next big feud.  Theoretically they could keep him as GM even while wrestling, though I'd think it more likely this would be a short-lived stint as GM if they went with him.  I'd like this one, just to get HBK back on tv!

"Macho Man" Randy Savage - To coincide with his DVD release?  That's the only reason it would happen, but I'd count this one as "nearly impossible."

Eric Bischoff - Another former Raw GM.  He can get pretty good heat with the crowd, and he's been away long enough so that just about everything with him would seem fresh.  I'm not sure if he's burned his bridges with WWE, but I know I've read quite a bit from him on his blog and Twitter that WWE couldn't have been too happy about.  I'd really like him to come back for this role, but I'd say he's slightly more likely than Macho Man.

I can't think of anyone else who would fit in for the role.  Anyone have any other ideas or thoughts on the above?

This is a wrestling predictions site, and the most fun predictions to get right are the ones you made far in advance..  so why not try predicting the card for SummerSlam this year?  It's not THAT far away, but we've got The Bash and Night of the Champions coming up next.

WWE Championship Match, Hell in the Cell
Randy Orton (c) vs HHH

World Heavyweight Championship
CM Punk (c) vs Rey Mysterio

ECW Championship
Christian (c) vs Jack Swagger vs Mark Henry

John Cena vs Matt Hardy

Intercontinental Championship, Last Man Standing
Chris Jericho (c) vs John Morrison

Women's Championship
Melina (c) vs Gail Kim

Unified Tag Team Championship
Big Show (c) & The Brian Kendrick (c) vs Carlito & Primo Colon

The only one I'm somewhat sure about is the HHH/Orton Hell in the Cell match..  the rest, I kinda made up what I'd like to see!  It's all based somewhat in reality, but guesses had to be made on what titles would be defended and who might be feuding with whom considering some current feuds can't last all the way to SummerSlam. 

Like Mysterio/Jericho - I love the feud, but I'm hoping they'll use this feud to push Mysterio for a run feuding with Punk at the top.  Punk is the perfect size champion for Mysterio to feud with.  I don't think Jeff Hardy or Edge will be around at SummerSlam.

And I think Jericho and Morrison would then be another perfect feud that I could see Morrison getting elevated from, the same way I think Mysterio is right now in his feud with Jericho.  The Last Man Standing stipulation I just threw on there for fun - I'm sure there will be at least one other match with something attached, and this seemed like a good candidate for it.  I was tempted to go with a ladder match, but I'd rather that not be used again for a while to keep it fresh.  I think the last Last Man Standing match involved either HHH or Cena, and I think the way Jericho/Morrison would work the match would be pretty different.  But yeah..  that's just a wild idea.

And Cena/Big Show - another feud I can't see lasting to SummerSlam (and I sure hope not).  I would have to think we're not getting another Cena/Big Show match on PPV - and right now, it seems likely his next PPV match would be with The Miz.  While I'd love for that feud to last a long time, I think it would be cut short by the time SummerSlam rolls around.  So I went with Matt Hardy as Cena's feud after that.  Again, just a wild guess, but I'm struggling to think of another possibility unless you bring HBK back and stick either Cena vs HBK or a Cena & HBK tag team match on the card.

John Cena and Big Show both are in the WWE title match this Monday - always possible they shake things up and put the title on Big Show.  But I doubt that will happen - so where could Big Show go next?  Unless Jamie Noble is now The Brian Kendrick's partner, Big Show would be a good choice for TBK.  Give them a run as a team and with the titles and let The Colons get the big win at SummerSlam.

The women's championship match was just out of thin air..  I don't watch Smackdown as often as I'd like so I have to admit I have no idea the direction the women's division is going.  But sounds like a match I'd enjoy!

If anyone else has some predictions for the cards, leave them as comments..  then when SummerSlam is the next PPV coming, I'll come back and comment on who got the most picks right.

I'm coming off a pretty good rank from Judgment Day - I'd like to think I've got this show nailed too!  I'm taking on two players one-on-one for Extreme Rules, too - holycrap447 and Hardyischamp. (you can follow the one-on-one challenges right here)

So, let's go through the prediction game and I'll give my thoughts as usual..

Extreme Rules (2009) Predictions from http://www.fourdown.org/WWE_Extreme_Rules_2009
http://www.fourdown.org/users/cletus42o

Judgment Day: #35 (Site) -- #5 (League: WrestleHut 2000)
Backlash: #279 (Site) -- #28 (League: WrestleHut 2000)
WrestleMania 25: #247 (Site) -- #17 (League: WrestleHut 2000)

*** Steel Cage Match, for the WWE Championship
Batista vs. Randy Orton (c) 

My Prediction: Randy Orton, Cage Escape, Yes - interference

My Thoughts: If Orton is dropping the title to anyone but CM Punk (more on that later), it's going to be HHH.  I don't see Batista getting a title win over Orton.  It means Batista's return has been pretty much wasted, but Batista's a beast - he'll be fine.  The cage escape is the "weasel" way out, so I think it'll be the finish here - pretty sure the announcers even stressed it would be a way for either man to win the match at the PPV.  I was iffy on the interference, but I could see Legacy tossing a chair into the cage, or holding Batista through the cage to allow Orton to escape.

*** Ladder Match, for the World Heavyweight Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. Edge (c) 

My Prediction: Edge, No - no interference

My Thoughts: I guess it's still up in the air as to whether or not Jeff is staying with WWE..  and that means Edge is going over.  I expect this to be an awesome match though!

*** Hardcore Match, for the ECW Championship
Jack Swagger vs. Tommy Dreamer vs. Christian (c) 

My Prediction: Tommy Dreamer

My Thoughts: I'll be posting the current standings of all the picks tomorrow, but I was pretty surprised to see a majority of other players also going with my pick here, Tommy Dreamer.  I'll be happy to see it happen, but I'm not sure it'll have that much of an impact with the fans.  (this PPV isn't in Philadelphia, right?)  But with both heels going over in the other two matches, I see the underdog going over here to offset that.

*** No Holds Barred Match, for the Intercontinental Championship
Chris Jericho vs. Rey Mysterio (c) 

My Prediction: Rey Mysterio

My Thoughts: I just don't see the value in Jericho taking the intercontinental title from Mysterio.  He should cost Mysterio the title when facing another heel.  I'm going out on a limb with this one since Jericho's due a win, but I think Mysterio needs it more than Jericho to be honest.  He's gone WAY down after getting put against so many big guys on Raw, he needs a big boost to kick off his Smackdown return.

*** Submission Match,
John Cena vs. Big Show

My Prediction: John Cena

My Thoughts: WILL JOHN CENA LOCK IN THE STFU?  Right, like that's a big what-if.  He's done it to Big Show before, he's going to do it again.  Not thrilled about this match and I think Big Show is the one who needs the big win, but it's a feel-good ending for the live audience.

*** Samoan Strap Match,
CM Punk vs. Umaga

My Prediction: Umaga

My Thoughts: Well, Punk just beat Umaga with the GTS on Smackdown tonight, so logic dictates Umaga is winning at the PPV.  Yeah, two PPVs in a row, but I have other ideas in mind for Punk if you keep reading. :)

*** Hog Pen Match,
Santino Marella vs. Vickie Guerrero
-- 4-Down Note: "The Miss WrestleMania crown is on the line in this match. The "title" of Miss WrestleMania does NOT count towards the number of titles changing hands on the show."

My Prediction: Santino Marella

My Thoughts:

*** Match for the United States Championship
MVP vs. William Regal vs. Matt Hardy vs. Kofi Kingston (c) 

My Prediction: Kofi Kingston, Pinfall

My Thoughts: I think it's too soon to get the title off Kofi now!  He did just win it on Monday, so I don't have too many thoughts here, but I think it'd be silly to take it right off him.

*** Who will be pinned/submitted in the ECW Championship Triple Threat match?

My Prediction: Jack Swagger

My Thoughts: I think Swagger will win it right back from Dreamer, either next week or at the next PPV, so why not let him take the fall here?  He'll get his heat back.

*** Who will be pinned/submitted in the US Championship Fatal Fourway?

My Prediction: William Regal

My Thoughts: The other guys in the match need to be kept strong more, I think.

*** Who of the following will appear live at Extreme Rules?

My Prediction:
None of the above

My Thoughts: MAYBE Triple H, I would be shocked to see anyone else.  Though, if you've been playing here long, you'll know that EVERY TIME I've asked if Rob Van Dam was making a surprise appearance on a PPV, he HAS!  (and I didn't always pick it right..  doh!)

*** Will the Money in the Bank briefcase get cashed in at Extreme Rules?

My Prediction: Yes

My Thoughts: So yeah, here's my plan for Punk.  Have him lose to Umaga, and then pick things up later with a MITB cash-in.  You can check out my blog post on it for more details. 

*** How many titles will change hands at Extreme Rules?

-- 4-Down Note: "To reiterate, the Miss WrestleMania title does not count towards this question."

My Prediction: 1

My Thoughts: While I didn't pick any title changes, I did pick MITB.  I figure this covers me if Jericho wins the IC title and Punk doesn't cash in.  (which I'll admit is probably more likely to happen, but where's the fun in that!)

What do y'all think about the possibility of Money in the Bank getting cashed in at Extreme Rules?  When Punk won it, Extreme Rules was the time I picked for when it'd get cashed in - I figured Judgment Day being in Chicago was TOO obvious, and they'd wait the next month.

I'm still not sure, but I'd really love for him to cash it in Sunday night.

And not for the World Heavyweight Championship.  Oh no, I'm thoroughly done with the way the storylines for Legacy and Batista have been going on Raw.  Triple H returning to challenge Randy Orton is NOT going to save this.  I want something new on Raw, and I want it now.

If Batista finally gets the big win over Orton, only to get beat down by Rhodes and DiBiase, giving Punk the perfect opportunity - I'd be really happy with that.  Get us another good heel on Raw. 

If Orton wins, like I suspect, but Batista gets revenge after the match - setting Punk up for the 2nd time in a row - I'd be really happy, too.  If Punk ran out, LOCKED THE CAGE DOOR BEHIND HIM (to keep Rhodes and DiBiase out), and then made the ref ring the bell - I'd pop for that.  It's the perfect time to do it, when you can lock Orton's buddies out of the cage. 

Either way, they could move into a Punk vs Batista feud for the title, and go ahead and bring HHH back to feud with Orton with no title involved.  Hell in the Cell?  You don't need a title involved for that match to be a big deal! 

The only problem is Raw's main event scene is too bloated with guys we've seen over and over again - and WWE hasn't built up anyone to take them on.  So it'd be tough to find opponents for Punk that fans wouldn't think would just demolish him right away.  I suppose a big win over John Cena or finally a nice clean win over Batista might quickly build Punk up, but I'm not sure I see WWE doing that.

Since it's been a while since I've written any fantasy booking, and steinersaysuhhh kicked things off pretty well this week, I just wanted to write this down quick while it's still fresh in my mind.

WHERE THE HECK IS GAIL KIM?

Yeah, she's on Smackdown, I know she gets a match here or there..  but she almost single-handedly turned TNA's women's division around (not to discredit the trainers involved, they played a big part too), and she's been used basically in no big way since jumping to WWE.

Raw has Beth Phoenix and Mickie James - arguably the two best women wrestlers in the mainstream outside of Awesome Kong - and neither of them have been used that well in past months, either!  Why NOT put Gail Kim on Raw?  I mean, I know the women's wrestling isn't the big thing we're all tuning in to see, but it's a hell of a lot better than the comedy bits Raw creative has been putting together!

How difficult would it be to put one person in charge of booking the divas on Raw each week?  Take Mickie, Beth, Gail, Maryse, Jillian (who's a good worker in an awful gimmick), Kelly Kelly, and Rosa (she CAN work, right? I wouldn't know it from watching WWE), and put together a singles match each week.  And cut all the crap!  Just let them go out and work!

Just one nice match a week.  If we're not going to get it with the guys, let's get it with the girls.  And I bet Gail, Mickie, and Beth could TEAR THINGS UP if given a chance together!

It's a small thing, but it'll add to the overall product.  And trying to make the show PG?  Having the women go out there and, oh I don't know, ACTUALLY WRESTLE, is probably positive for your image!

It's been a while since I just wrote out some thoughts - well, except for live Raw and PPV blogs, but those are more stream-of-consciousness than anything.

I wanted to write a few blogs about things I'd like to see in WWE over the next year.  Going to start off with Raw, since it's the show I watch the most.

Right now, we've got Randy Orton as WWE Champion, MVP as US Champion, Maryse as Diva's Champion, and The Colons as Tag Champions.

Overall, I think it's a decent group to kick the summer off.  Regardless of your opinion of Orton as a performer, I'm sure we all as fans want him to succeed and if he weren't the champion after the last 6 months of him essentially being the heel John Cena (shoved down our throats that is), I think he'd be done. 

But yeah, let's start off with the WWE Championship.  I can't tell you how uninterested I have been in the title picture on Raw since Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels were feuding.  It's been excruciating.  We've basically been seeing Orton and the McMahons/HHH feuding all year long.  And now Batista is basically a proxy for HHH at the moment.  Talk about a waste of a huge return.  Batista works best as a monster of a man - and Orton needs to be kept strong right now.  So why choose now to be the time to have them feud?  Not only is the feud too similar to what was going on with HHH and Orton (actually, it's less than that - at least Orton/HHH did have some pretty bright, shining moments with Stephanie), but it's killing Batista.  Here's a guy who's not going to be around much longer - he's already too far up there in years (unfortunately). 

And wow..  I was trying to figure out who I'd have preferred Orton to feud with going into the summer, and it's surprising how lacking the Raw roster seems now.  I thought it was getting stacked at the draft, and yet - a lot of the guys I'd have preferred to see Orton feud with (Punk, Jericho, Edge, Undertaker - fairly fresh combinations, with Taker/Orton being the least fresh) aren't on Raw.  He's feuded with HHH too much over the years already, he's feuded with HBK if he weren't taking time off, he's feuded with Cena pretty recently, I gave my reasons for why Batista shouldn't be feuding with him, and I just don't see much in a BIg Show/Orton feud.

Honestly, I thought after HHH, it would have made great sense to do a quick Cena/Orton feud, and have Orton go over cleanly.  Orton needs something to solidify himself in the eyes of the fans - and that would have done it.  DQ finishes with Batista and so much McMahon and now Flair involvement just clouds it up and diminishes anything Orton can get out of winning the feud. 

But anyway, it really does boil down to the creative.  I'm sure Batista and Orton could have worked (and potentially still could) if the writing were better.  Perhaps they'll have Orton go over Batista in the end (this is a given as far as I'm concerned), then roll through HHH (rumored to be a Hell in the Cell match at SummerSlam), and then absolutely cement his reign as legitimate by capping it off with a win over Cena. 

While they'd do that, they could groom a superstar on either Smackdown or ECW to be the one to finally jump to Raw to take Orton on.  After that, not only do you have non-title feuds where Batista, HHH, and Cena want to get revenge on Orton, but now you've got a new main eventer on Raw who by virtue of beating Orton would be able to claim he's the best of the best on the brand.

I've just got this sick feeling we're going to only get Orton/Batista, then a HHH/Orton feud that leads to HBK returning to give us a DX vs Legacy feud that ends with HHH victorious.  Though, if that leads to a great HHH vs HBK match down the line - I think I could deal with it.

Not feeling too great about the world title picture on Raw.  But I'm going to hold onto some hope!

So then the US title, currently held by MVP.  I'm happy with the way this is going so far.  I think MVP should hold onto the title until WWE is ready to give him a push to the top.  And right now, I think things are going well - Matt Hardy, William Regal, Kofi Kingston, and MVP are 4 guys on Raw I think I'd be happy to see just about any combination of matches with.  One thing that strikes me as a little odd, though, is why doesn't Legacy set their sights on the US title?  (and for that matter, the tag titles too)  Rhodes and DiBiase feel like they're being wasted to me, and I'd like to see them get more singles matches so they can improve even more. 

The Miz and The Brian Kendrick are two other guys I would like to see in the US title mix, but it sounds like Miz is possibly getting a high-profile feud with Cena, and at the moment, TBK is doing the comedy thing aiming for the tag titles.  (which isn't exactly great for the tag titles!)

As far as the diva title goes, I really hope Mickie James gets the shot soon and wins it.  She deserves another run with the title.  I like Maryse and think she could end up getting a lot better in the ring, but right now, I think Mickie should get the gold.

Tag titles - yeah, WWE doesn't give me much reason to care about them.  It seems like we're not going to see them defended until TBK finds himself a partner.  Not sure how he hasn't found Jamie Noble yet. 

Haven't done a live blog during Raw in a while..

Let's see if there's enough for me to talk about during this episode!

Can't wait for the Nuggets love.

And it's already going! I'm sure this segment will be awful. Though WWE was totally in the right when it comes to what happened. They might not look so great anymore, though.

Okay, so far it's fun at least. Vince walking is always entertaining. Don't tear a quad!

The XBA! Knew that was coming.

Okay, it's getting a bit juvenile now in the humor department. Time to move on to some wrestling..

Hey, business is about to pick up! The Miz! Another good promo from Miz. I'm liking him more and more every week.

Nice ambush there for John Cena! Oh, and here's the whole gang. Haha.. what the heck is Lawler doing? He's in the main event? Ridiculous!

At least he's wearing LSU colors.. GEAUX TIGERS!

Okay, the jerseys in the graphic for the main event were a little stupid..

Kelly Kelly getting her title shot already? Hopefully Mickie can get the title shot at Extreme Rules.. I'd be happier with the women's division on Raw if Mickie got the title.

What? Where's Mickie? She did pin Maryse twice.. are they skipping her again and moving into a Kelly Kelly/Maryse program? (or maybe a three-way at Extreme Rules?)

I was wondering who that guy was.. didn't know it was a Jack Nicholson impersonator until they said the name. And hey, one of the writers remembered Goldust getting electrocuted. Too bad it led to this..

Busy working on the first set of 4-UP scores.. not sure if I missed anything after the Goldust weirdness. But hey, at least I'm getting some good stuff done. Scores will definitely be calculated by tomorrow. Going forward, except for holiday weekends again potentially (or if I'm sick, whatever), the scores will be done every Saturday night / Sunday morning.

Sweet, a triple threat for a shot at the US title. Glad to hear that the title will get defended soon! I'm thinking Hardy's going to win it, but I'd rather see something new next week.

So I guess Regal's the only other option. Don't see them doing Kofi Kingston vs MVP. Hmm.. how about Regal wins, then the match this Monday ends with a DQ, so they make a no DQ match at Extreme Rules? (if that sounds familiar, it should!)

Oh wow, I guess this is going to stay a 4-way feud for the US title. Out of the three possible matches to get next week, Kofi vs MVP is the one I'd like to see the most.

Though I'd have liked MVP to attack Kofi after the match. He's acting like too much of a vanilla babyface lately!

Flair! I'm thinking a turn on Batista is imminent. :)

Hey, I'm liking Orton on the mic tonight. I think Flair is making him up his game, he can't talk so slowly with Ric going crazy.

What? Kennedy coming out during Orton, Flair, and Batista? Maybe they're going to strap the rocket to him? (I hope so, I like him)

Well, I was hoping for another surprise to be the 5th man, but I'm okay with Kennedy. I had been bored with him for a while, things got stale, but if they're putting him in a prominent spot on the card I think it'll work out this time.

Santina vs Vickie for the Miss Wrestlemania crown at Extreme Rules? With a stipulation? Greeeeat. Probably will end up being an Evening Gown or Bra and Panties match. I don't want to see either Santino or Vickie in either of those situations!

Why is Mickie teaming with Santino?

A hog pen match? Did they do one of those with the Godwinns?

I don't have much to say about that tag match. Though I still really like TBK. Hopefully after going through all of this stuff he'll get better storylines. (I'd love for him to move to ECW and get a decent run in the title picture there)

Now we're at the part of the show I find the least interesting. The only 5-on-5 matches I've ever liked were the original Survivor Series matches where the teams had cool names and themes. The Visionaries > The Lakers.