All Rings Considered: WWE Tables, Ladders, and Chairs 2011

Normally you’re more likely to see discussion on match-ups involving “real life” rumbles around these parts but that’s not to say professional wrestling doesn’t still deserve its due. The reality is the UFC exists in part due to the environment of “sports entertainment” created by Vince McMahon and company. As such, when it comes to WWE PPV events I’ll be offering a breakdown of each advertised bout with my opinion of the storyline leading up to the clash as well as how I see things unfolding inside the infamous squared circle.

Cody Rhodes vs. Booker T

I’m glad to see Rhodes getting a push minus his protective mask, a gimmick that had run its course for sure. He’s great on a microphone and an apt competitor in the ring. It will be interesting to see how crisp Booker T looks given that he’s far from a full-time wrestler these days but he’s generally a solid worker and as long as he hits a “Spinaroonie” (guaranteed to happen by the way) the crowd will go home happy. However, it’s highly unlikely he wins since the WWE Intercontinental Championship is on the line. Expect Rhodes to do something illegal to pick up a cheap victory, thus continuing his build as one of the company’s better heels.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder

Ziggler has quickly become one of the guys to watch over the past six months. He needs to shed Vickie Guerrero so he can truly shine but it seems that storyline is likely coming given some of the subtle hints as of late. Ryder, on the other hand, has a catchy catch-phrase and is no slouch himself. These two should put on a very entertaining show with Ryder coming away the winner in order to let Ziggler move up the ladder, perhaps even via some interference from John Cena who isn’t booked for the card, since he’s above the United States Championship at this point while Ryder is a perfect fit to hold it. WOO! WOO! WOO! You know it, bro!

Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett

I haven’t really bought in to the Barrett/Orton storyline much. Their feud seems beneath “The Apex Predator” and Barrett hasn’t used the opportunity to shine as more legitimate prospects might. With the involvement of tables I’d say a RKO through one of those glorious pieces of furniture is almost a given. Orton may “hear voices” in his head but it will be Barrett seeing little birdies circling his noggin come the close of their clash.

Mark Henry vs. Big Show

Expect a bunch of high-flying, fast-paced action in this…ah, who am I kidding? I see this fight as little more than a vehicle for Kane to make an appearance, possibly saving Big Show from suffering another ankle injury based on the inclusion of chairs. I see Henry retaining so he and Kane can have the added spotlight of a title in their coming feud.

HHH vs. Kevin Nash

I cringe whenever Nash is in the ring. He was entertaining in his hey-day, but his promos seem awkward/forced and he seems fragile. If he and HHH can turn in something more than a brawl featuring 90% strikes with the final sledgehammer spot I’ll be shocked. The crowd will want to see HHH go over convincingly but for some reason I can see their rivalry continuing all the way up to Wrestlemania where a Triple Threat fight with Shawn Michaels will take place. As such, tonight would be a great time for HBK to get involved on some level.

CM Punk vs. Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio

The WWE Championship has been passed around as of late like a joint at a collection plate in church so it’s hard to predict who will win tonight’s biggest bout. My heart tells me CM Punk but my head says Miz who the company seems to absolutely be in love with at the moment (and rightfully so in a sense because he has exceeded my expectations tenfold since originally debuting). Regardless, I expect this offering to feature some incredible spots and am definitely looking forward to it.

Things start up tonight on PPV at 8:00 PM EST so make sure to check it out and see how close, or far off, I actually am in my predictions.

PHOTO CREDIT – WWE