Down for the Count: Heart break for the Heartbreak Kid

Kari Williams, Alestle Reporter

by Kari Williams, Alestle Reporter

When Shawn Michaels eliminated his friend and tag team partner, Triple H, from the Royal Rumble on Sunday, he looked poised for victory. But fate had other plans. His title dreams went out the window faster than Marty Jannetty flew through the glass window on the Barber Shop.

Some could argue that the Showstopper just cannot stop the show anymore, or that Mr. Wrestlemania has simply lost ‘it.’

Or, perhaps, the sudden reemergence of Bret Hart to RAW has put Michaels back in the state of mind he was in during the time of the Montreal Screwjob — cocky and arrogant, but a hell of a wrestler.

Undertaker turning down Michaels’ challenge for ‘Taker’s WWE championship at Wrestlemania has gotten to the Showstopper. As much as fans did, or wanted, to hate the Heartbreak Kid, not even the most anti-Michaels fan could deny his charisma and skill. The same can be said for the Undertaker. And there lies the problem.

Mr. Wrestlemania vs. the undefeated streak. Round two.

But on Monday Night RAW, fate gave him another chance. Michaels faced “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton, with the winner earning a spot in the Elimination Chamber at the No Way Out Pay-per-view. Just when it looked like Michael’s tormented soul could be put to rest, Orton caught Michaels by surprise.

A distraught Michaels walked to the back with a troubled mind. Why couldn’t he pin Orton? Why, every time he goes for the gold, is it just out of reach? Why has it been so long since he held a championship? Why do the blood, sweat and tears he puts into every match amount to nothing more than blood, sweat and tears?

Just as when Michaels was breaking out on his own and making his mark in WWE, he had to prove to everybody why he was the best. He had to make everyone else believe his own hype. He had to go above and beyond the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be.

And so the scenario presents itself again. Hart’s presence brings back Michaels’ desire to prove himself to other wrestlers, but most importantly, to the fans.

‘Taker’s undefeated streak, in addition to Hart, fuels Michaels’ desire even further. The inability to recapture the high points of his early career, in addition to ‘Taker shutting down the chance for Michaels to end the streak, makes Michaels a disheartened man—unable to grasp what he so desires. Renewed respect. Renewed belief. But more than anything, renewed championship glory.

Down for the Count: Royal Rumble predictions

Kari Williams, Alestle Reporter

by Kari Williams, Alestle Reporter

In three days, 30 men enter the ring at the Royal Rumble. The sole survivor earns a shot at either the WWE or World Heavyweight Championship. Last week, Big Show, John Cena, Shawn Michaels and Triple H all claimed that they would win the Rumble.

I predict that either Michaels or Triple H will win — regardless of whether they enter number one, number 30 or anywhere inbetween. If Michaels wins, he’ll try to break the Undertaker’s undefeated streak as well add another title reign to his already impressive resume (assuming that ‘Taker defeats Rey Mysterio at the Rumble). If Triple H wins, McMahon’s prized possession of a son-in-law gets a taste of gold, yet again. Either way, DX splits (hopefully!) and the comedy act is no more. I can’t be the only one sick of seeing two of the best wrestlers of the day stuck in comedy skits…can I?

The debacles going on in the title hunt on RAW have Randy Orton and Sheamus, the WWE Champion, going crazy. Orton challenges Sheamus for the belt Sunday, and with Legacy seemingly back on his good side, there’s a good possibility of Orton getting a win.

As far as the pending breakdown of Legacy, I love the bait and switch tactic of Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase Jr. appearing to betray Orton one week, then redeem themselves the next.

On the ECW front, Ezekiel Jackson challenges Christian for the ECW championship. Jackson has had William Regal on his side for some time, so the deck is stacked against Christian. But here’s hoping he retains.

World Heavyweight Champion the Undertaker will put his belt on the line against the ultimate underdog, Rey Mysterio. As much as I enjoy watching Mysterio and seeing the underdog win, I expect ‘Taker to come out on top and head to Wrestlemania to defend his undefeated streak.

Michelle McCool will finally have to face up to her insults and childish ridicule of Mickie James—with the Women’s Championship on the line. James has her chance for the ultimate retribution. With any luck, James will wrestle (emphasis on wrestle) the title away from McCool.

Locally, Lethal Wrestling Alliace (LWA) put on their first “No Restrictions” show Saturday in O’ Fallon, Ill. “The Rebel” Jeremy Wyatt versus the returning Billy McNeil and “Future” Donovan Ruddik (the 6’9” Monster) taking on Ring of Honor start Tyler Black were, by far, the two best matches of the night. Almost every bout spilled to the outside where wrestlers crashed into steel chairs and the solid, brick wall — one of the many perks of being an indy wrestling fan, fleeing from wrestlers as they battle through the crowd.

Take trip to Wood River for Metro East Championship Wrestling (MECW), where MECW Champion Bailey Mannix will defend his championship and others such as Markus Crane and Matt Mayday, formerly known as Krotch, will be in action. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Knights of Columbus Hall.