Booking WrestleMania 23

Yes, it's that time. The biggest sports-entertainment event of the year, WrestleMania 23, is making it's return to the Detroit area for the first time in two decades. This will be my first WrestleMania, and I have to say that I have probably not been this excited about anything since the Lions made the NFC Championship in 1991-92. Hopefully this will turn out better than that did. Here's just my take on how this event should go.

1. MVP vs. Benoit
By putting this match first, I think it will allow MVP to get even more heat. This should be a match primarily dominated by Benoit, making MVP look cowardly. I'd have MVP find a cheap way to win, hopefully something other than a roll up, and crowned new United States Champion.

Time: 10-15 minutes
My Winner: MVP
Prediction: MVP
Rating: 3 (out of 5)

2. Money In The Bank
This match has been pretty successful going second in the previous two WrestleManias, so why mess with that? My biggest complaing with the other two was that they were too short. With eight competitors, I think they have enough of a story to tell to make this go a little longer than 15 minutes. I feel that the brightest future of the eight belongs to CM Punk, and he would go over, with help to Randy Orton screwing Edge over at the end. I'd love to see Matt Hardy win it, but I think Punk will make them more money.

Time: 20-25 minutes
My Winner: CM Punk
Prediction: Mr. Kennedy
Rating: 4.5

3. Ashley vs. Melina
This is not going to be anywhere near the quality of last year's Women's Championship match. Melina is probably the best female heel they have and Ashley is now the crown jewel of the divas, so whether I like it or not, she has to go over.

Time: 5-10 minutes
My Winner: Ashley
Prediction: Ashley
Rating: .75

4. ECW Originals vs. New Breed
This match has a lot of potential to be fun. If they can pull off a match similar to some of the matches we've seen on the One Night Stand shows, this could really add to the overall quality of the show. I think Elijah Burke has loads of potential and a victory for him over one of the Originals could really help out his career.

Time: 15-20 minutes
My Winner: New Breed
Prediction: New Breed
Rating: 3.25

5. Kane vs. Great Khali
With this match on the card, I definitely would have added at least one more match. Who knows? Maybe they will. The crowd will be into this early, but they will start to lose their patience if it goes too long. Even as bad as Kane has been as of late (plus rumors of him taking time off), I would still have him go over here as Khali just isn't worthy of being a main eventer.

Time: 5 minutes
My Winner: Kane
Prediction: Great Khali
Rating: 0

6. Lashley vs. Umaga
This is another match that could go either way in terms of quality. Umaga has proven that he can put on an entertaining match with a quality opponent. However, I'm not completely sold on Lashley. His intensity has picked up and the crowd seems to be buying it. No question that Lashley has to go over here though. I'm thinking Vince is going to look pretty bad bald.

Time: 15-20 minutes
My Winner: Lashley
Prediction: Lashley
Rating: 3

7. Undertaker vs. Batista
There was a point in time where I really thought they were going to let Batista end the 'Taker's streak. This would be an awful decision that would be looked down on upon for years to come. If you're going to reward someone with something as prestigious as that, let it be someone who is deserving.

Time: 15-20 minutes
My Winner: Undertaker
Prediction: Undertaker
Rating: 2.25

8. John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels
I won't be mad if Undertaker/Batista is the last match, but I feel as if this is the more anticipated matchup. This should be a back and forth battle with lots of near pinfalls and lots of chants for both competitors. I think a HBK victory could lead to a fun feud that would wrap up this summer. Either way, this should be a matchup for the ages and possibly one of the more memorable WrestleMania title matches ever.

Time: 25-30 minutes
My Winner: Shawn Michaels
Prediction: John Cena
Rating: 4.75

Total Match Time: 110-140 minutes


I don't think this show will be the greatest WrestleMania ever, but I think it has a solid shot of cracking the top 5. I'm sure there will be a bit of a bias due to this being my first live WrestleMania, but one thing is for sure, it will be a day that I never forget.