411’s PPV Preview: WWE No Mercy

WWE NO MERCY 2009

Event History: This will be the 10th annual No Mercy pay per view, and the 11th event to hold the No Mercy name overall. The initial No Mercy event was an overseas show, taking place on May 16,1999 in Manchester England. The main event for that show saw Steve Austin successfully defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against the Undertaker and Triple H in an Anything Goes Triangle Match. The first American iteration of the event was held on October 17, 1999 from the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The main event saw Triple H successfully defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Steve Austin in an Anything Goes match. There will be three “world” title matches at this year’s No Mercy. There have been 3 “world” title changes at No Mercy ppv’s in the past. They are as follows:

*2000 – Kurt Angle def. The Rock in a No Disqualification match
*2001 – Chris Jericho def. The Rock
*2007 – Randy Orton def. Triple H in a Last Man Standing match

There will be seven matches on this year’s No Mercy pay per view. No Mercy will be broadcast live from The Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. This is the second WWE pay per view to be held in The Rose Garden. All three brand’s major championships will be defended in singles matches. In addition, there will be a women’s championship match, a match for Rey Misterio’s mask, and two singles matches.

FOR REY MYSTERIO, JR’S MASK: REY MYSTERIO, JR. vs. KANE

History: Kane and Big Show defeated JBL and Rey Mysterio, Jr. on the December 12, 2005 Smackdown!, when JBL walked out on his partner. Kane and Big Show double-teamed Rey Mysterio, Jr. until Batista made the save. At Armageddon 2005, Kane and Big Show defeated Batista and Rey Mysterio, Jr. in a match that saw the tag champions from Raw and Smackdown! face off. Kane defeated Rey Mysterio, Jr. on the May 19, 2006 Smackdown! after being hired by JBL. On August 11, 2008, Kane was instructed by Raw General Manager Mike Adamle to reveal the contents of the bag that he had been carrying. Adamle was under the assumption that it was Kane’s former mask, but it was revealed to be Rey Mysterio, Jr.’s mask. Rey Mysterio, Jr. returned to Raw after a six week absence on the September 1, 2008 Raw, attacking Kane. Rey Mysterio, Jr. and Kane both competed in the World Heavyweight Championship scramble match at Unforgiven that saw Chris Jericho win the World Heavyweight Championship. On the September 8, 2008 Raw, Kane cut a promo on Rey Mysterio, Jr. and talk about taking his mask. Rey Mysterio, Jr. defeated Kane by disqualification on the September 15, 2008 Raw when Kane ignored the referee’s five count. Kane defeated Evan Bourne on the September 22, 2008 Raw. After the match, Kane continued attacking Bourne, but Rey Mysterio, Jr. intervened, only to be chokeslammed as well. Kane, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, Jr., and Manu defeated Rey Mysterio, Jr., Kofi Kingston, CM Punk and Evan Bourne on the September 29, 2008 Raw when Kane chokeslammed Kofi Kingston. Earlier in the night, it was announced by Mike Adamle that if Rey Mysterio, Jr. lost to Kane at No Mercy, he would have to remove his mask. Rey Mysterio, Jr. lost a tag team match that saw him lose his mask in WCW. That match was Rey Mysterio, Jr. and Konnan vs. The Outsiders at Superbrawl 1999.

Match up: Rey Mysterio, Jr. is no stranger to the “David vs. Goliath” match. He’s taken on Scott Norton, Kevin Nash, Batista, and others in his career. Expect to see Mysterio set the pace early, attacking Kane’s knees and using his speed to keep his much larger foe off balance. Aerial attacks and literally hurling himself at Kane will be the order of the day, as Mysterio tries to avoid the power-based moveset of Kane. At some point, though, Kane will be able to get a hold of Rey Mysterio, Jr. and ground him. He will look to slow the pace down and methodically break down the smaller man with slams, clotheslines, boots, and high impact moves. Ultimately, Kane will be looking to connect with his choke slam before Rey can get back on track. Rey will look to drag the match into “deep waters”, using his stamina advantage to wear down Kane and score the win late in the match.

Outcome: Don’t look for Rey Mysterio, Jr. to lose another match that costs him his mask. There are several reasons for this, but it’s much more likely to see Kane return to wearing his mask short term than to see Rey Mysterio, Jr. lose his.

WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: BETH PHOENIX (c) VS. CANDICE MICHELLE

History:
Candice Michelle defeated Beth Phoenix to retain the WWE Women’s Championship at Unforgiven 2007. At No Mercy 2007, Beth Phoenix defeated Candice Michelle for the WWE Women’s Championship. Beth Phoenix defeated Candice Michelle in two straight falls of a 2/3 Falls match on the October 22, 2007 Raw. It was in this match that Candice Michelle fell from the turnbuckles and broke her clavicle. On the September 1, 2008 Raw, Candice Michelle, Mickie James, and Kelly Kelly defeated Beth Phoenix, Katie Lea, and Jillian Hall. Beth Phoenix and Jillian Hall defeated Candice Michelle and Kelly Kelly on the September 29, 2008 Raw. Beth Phoenix has been WWE Women’s Champion since August 17, 2008.

Match up: Beth Phoenix is a physically intimidating women’s champion, using her athleticism and strength to dominate most of her challengers. Nearly her entire moveset consists of devastating, high impact moves that are low risk. This would make it difficult for Candice Michelle under any circumstances, more so considering she is likely still working off ring rust from being away due to injury for so long. Candice Michelle will have an uphill fight ahead of her, and will likely be looking to score a “quick” win with a rollup or a reversal.

Outcome: Candice Michelle certainly has the tools to defeat Beth Phoenix, as she has proven in the past. However, don’t expect the upset this time. Until Candice Michelle shakes off all the ring rust, she’s going to find it difficult to compete with Phoenix. Expect Phoenix to retain here, but these two will meet again.

BIG SHOW vs. THE UNDERTAKER

History: The Undertaker and Big Show are former tag team champions together, holding the titles twice. In their first one on one meeting, Big Show defeated The Undertaker by disqualification on the May 3, 1999 Raw. Big Show and Undertaker were members of “Team WWF” at Survivor Series 2001, taking on “Team WCW/ECW”. Big Show gorilla pressed Undertaker off of the stage on the October 4, 2002 Smackdown!, sending Undertaker out until Royal Rumble 2003. Undertaker defeated Big Show at No Way Out 2002. Undertaker defeated Big Show and A-Train in a handicap match at Wrestlemania 19. The Big Show and The Great Khali repeatedly attacked The Undertaker through the summer of 2006. At Unforgiven 2008, The Undertaker attempted to attack Vickie Guerrero, but The Big Show stepped in and beat the Undertaker down over the period of several minutes. On the September 12, 2008 Smackdown!, Big Show was promised a title shot if he could make the Undertaker apologize.

Match up: These two are no strangers to each other. They have feuded off and on for the better part of ten years now, and aren’t likely to do anything too groundbreaking during this installment of their feud. Both men are methodical power wrestlers with their set of trademark maneuvers they use to wear down opponents. There won’t be a lot of defense from either man, as both are straight ahead brawlers that rely on blunt force to get the job done. Both men are veterans and aren’t likely to make mistakes that will cost either one the match. The Undertaker has a chip on his shoulder regarding Vickie Guerrero, and Big Show siding with her may prove to be the edge that Undertaker needs to come out on top.

Outcome: The Undertaker has been methodically clearing a path to get to Vickie Guerrero, going first through Edge and scaring away anyone else that would bother getting in the way. He’ll find it much more difficult to get through Big Show, who cannot be intimidated. The Undertaker saves his best performances for the biggest stages these days. Big Show is younger and perhaps a little more motivated to show up every night, which should make the difference here.

NUMBER ONE CONTENDER’S MATCH: DAVE BATISTA vs. JOHN BRADSHAW LAYFIELD

History: John Bradshaw Layfield defeated Dave Batista by disqualification at Great American Bash 2005, resulting in Batista retaining his title. Batista retained his World Heavyweight Championship against JBL at Summerslam 2005 in a No Holds Barred match. On the September 9, 2005 Smackdown!, Batista defeated JBL in a bull rope match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. Batista pinned Kane in a number one contender’s match that also involved John Cena and JBL on the July 7, 2008 Raw. Batista and Layfield were both involved in the Championship Scramble that saw Chris Jericho win the World Heavyweight Championship. JBL and Chris Jericho defeated Dave Batista in a handicap match on the September 8, 2008 Raw. Chris Jericho, Lance Cade, and JBL defeated Dave Batista and Shawn Michaels on the September 22, 2008 Raw. Batista and JBL had two separate brawls on the September 29, 2008 Raw.

Matchup: There aren’t many people that could claim to have a psychological advantage over John Bradshaw Layfield, but Batista may be one. He’s larger and stronger than JBL, two things that are a rarity in and of themselves. Add to that fact that JBL has never defeated Batista in a singles match, and it would seem that Batista is coming into this match with a clear edge. JBL has shown time and again – as Justin “Hawk” Bradshaw, as “APA” Bradshaw, and as JBL – that he’ll do whatever it takes to win. Don’t expect this to be an exception to the rule. He’ll come at Batista with everything he has, looking to land his Clothesline from Hell and score the win. Batista will be content to weather the storm and look for an opening to connect on the Batista Bomb against a man that he knows that he can beat.

Outcome: John Bradshaw Layfield has yet to regain his championship form since returning to the ring, struggling against CM Punk in several title shots. In facing Batista, he’s across the ring from a man that is in virtually every way his physical superior. On his best day, JBL could dip into his bag of tricks and pull out a win against Batista. Unfortunately, JBL’s best days are behind him. Batista should have a title shot at the next pay per view.

ECW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Matt Hardy (c) vs. Mark Henry

History: Matt Hardy ended Mark Henry’s reign as ECW Heavyweight Champion in Unforgiven’s ECW Championship Scramble on September 7, 2008. Mark Henry and Matt Hardy’s first encounter came on the June 26, 1999 Shotgun Saturday Night taping, when Mark Henry and D’Lo Brown defeated The Hardy Boyz. Their first one on one encounter on the May 19, 2006 Smackdown! saw Mark Henry defeat Matt Hardy by pinfall and brutalize him after the match. On the August 12, 2008 ECW, Matt Hardy and Mark Henry teamed up to defeat John Morrison and The Miz, but Hardy was attacked by Mark Henry and Tony Atlas immediately afterwards. Matt Hardy defeated Mark Henry by disqualification in 30 seconds at Summerslam 2008. In a rematch on the August 19, 2008 ECW, Mark Henry defeated Matt Hardy to retain his ECW Heavyweight Championship. On the September 9, 2008 ECW, Matt Hardy teamed with Finlay to defeat Mark Henry and Mike Knox. Mark Henry, John Morrison, and The Miz defeated Matt Hardy, Evan Bourne, and Ricky Ortiz on the September 30, 2008 ECW.

Match up: Matt Hardy’s never say die attitude is what got him to the top of the mountain after 10 plus years in WWE, and that’s what he’ll need against Mark Henry. Hardy’s occasionally unorthodox offense combined with an overlooked technical ability will carry him against Henry. Mark Henry’s mode of attack will be the same as it’s always been – keep moving forward. He’ll attack Hardy with bear hugs, headbutts, and splashes, looking to weaken the body of the champion before hitting the “World’s Strongest Slam”. While Matt isn’t as quick as he was when he and his brother first entered WWE, he’s still much faster than Mark Henry. He’ll need to use that speed to allow him the room necessary to get his offense off effectively. Mark Henry will be in constant pursuit, looking to cut the ring off and end things quickly before stamina becomes a factor. Tony Atlas will be present as well, something that Matt will need to be aware of.

Outcome:
Matt Hardy finally seems to have momentum on his side. He’s worked so long to get things going in the right direction for him, it would be hard to pick against him. On the other hand, Mark Henry paid dues for ten years before he landed his elusive heavyweight championship, and will be a man possessed trying to get it back. Beating the champ is harder than being the champ, though, and Mark Henry won’t beat Matt Hardy the first time around. Hardy should retain here.

WWE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: TRIPLE H (c) vs. JEFF HARDY

History: Triple H is a 12 time Heavyweight Champion, most recently winning the belt on April 27, 2008 from Randy Orton. Jeff Hardy upset Triple H for the Intercontinental title on April 12, 2001. Triple H defeated Jeff Hardy for the Intercontinental title on April 16, 2001. In their first one on one meeting, Triple H defeated Jeff Hardy on August 14, 1995. Triple H defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Jeff Hardy on the September 16, 2002 RAW. Triple H defeated Jeff Hardy on the December 9, 2002 Raw. Jeff Hardy defeated Triple H at Armageddon 2007 to earn a title shot at the Royal Rumble. Jeff Hardy defeated Triple H by count out on the June 9, 2008 Raw. Triple H retained his title at Unforgiven’s WWE Heavyweight Championship scramble in which Jeff Hardy was one of the challengers. Jeff Hardy earned his title shot on the September 12, 2008 Smackdown! by defeating MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and THE Brian Kendrick in a Fatal Four Way. Triple H and Jeff Hardy teamed to defeat MVP and THE Brian Kendrick on the September 26, 2008 Smackdown!

Match up: There has been bad blood between these two men on more than one occasion on the past. Unlike Batista vs. JBL, which has seen one man dominate the action between the two, Hardy and HHH have traded wins. Upsetting Triple H for the IC title in 2001 was a benchmark for Hardy’s career, and established him as a credible singles competitor after years of tag team wrestling. Hardy will remember what he did to defeat Triple H in the past, and will revert to it. Hardy has his own unique form of high impact offense, using gravity to his full advantage. He’ll be coming at Triple H from every angle imaginable, looking to hit his Twist of Fate or set up for a swanton bomb. He’ll have his work cut out for him, as he’ll be facing a true ring general in the mold of Ric Flair and Harley Race. Triple H is adaptable and it’s difficult to beat him once – almost impossible to beat him the same way twice. He’ll be looking to break Jeff Hardy down, take away the highflying maneuvers, and connect with the Pedigree. If he does that, the match will be over.

Outcome: The Game is on a roll, six months in to his latest title reign. Jeff Hardy’s momentum has been slowed somewhat by off-camera problems, but taking a title from Triple H on pay per view wasn’t likely for him anyway. Triple H’s focus may already be moving towards Vladamir Kozlov, which could cause for some anxious moments for the champ, but I would expect him to retain against Jeff here.

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH: CHRIS JERICHO (c) vs. SHAWN MICHAELS

History: For an extended history of the feud between these two, see last month’s Unforgiven preview here. Chris Jericho substituted for CM Punk at Unforgiven in the World Heavyweight Championship Scramble Match, winning his second world title. This matchup was made a ladder match on the September 15, 2008 Raw. Chris Jericho, Lance Cade, and John Bradshaw Layfield defeated Shawn Michaels and Dave Batista on the September 22, 2008 Raw. Shawn Michaels and Triple H defeated Chris Jericho and Lance Cade on the September 29, 2008 Raw.

Matchup: What can these two superstars do that we haven’t already seen from them? Their feud has reached the mythical territory of Buzz Sawyer vs. Tommy Rich and Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat. On and off for years now, these two have been obsessed with one-upping each other, and they seem to have found a stage that allows them the perfect opportunity. Both men are highly experienced in ladder matches, and are proficient in the offensive capabilities that the structure provides. Jericho and Michaels are at their best in these environments, and at their best against each other. Expect nothing short of a(nother) match of the year candidate from these two in an exceptional, breathtaking match.

Outcome: In comparing this match to those other two legendary feuds, I don’t think we’ve hit the “Last Battle of Atlanta” or “Wrestle War” stage yet. I think there’s still one more major match after the ladder match. I’ll be very disappointed if we don’t see an Ironman match between these two at Survivor Series or shortly after. Or a Hell In A Cell. Or…an Ironman Hell In A Cell. I digress. Given that there’s one more major act to be played out, my money would be on Jericho to retain here. Interference from Lance Cade isn’t out of the realm of possibility.