For The Win! Yes We Can (Pass Judgment)

[SkittleZ]

For The Win!
Yes We Can (Pass Judgment)


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SkitZ: You aren't dreaming, FTW Fanatics. This is SkitZ and Mavsman coming to you from a venue completely out of the the norm. And why is that, Mavsy?

Mavsy: Because we were utter failures on the Main Page?

SkitZ: Half correct. I came to the conclusion that because of your atrocious overall record, it was far too embarrassing (for me personally) to continue broadcasting For The Win on such a broad scale.

Mavsy: Or... the email feedback wasn't doing enough for your massive ego and you wanted to move to a friendlier domain because you are an attention whore? Yeah, I like that one better. Regardless of why we are here, this is FTW, and yes we are coming to you from the CF. I am Mavsman, and I am bitterly depressed due to the Mavs' abysmal failure. And that fellow over there reveling in my misfortune? He's my fruity friend SkittleZ.

SkitZ: Why thank you for the marvelous introduction, Mavsy. You know I almost feel sorry for your Dallas Mavericks. Perhaps if Mark Cuban wasn't a racist bastard who swore at elder black ladies and physically assaulted them in public!

Mavsy: He never physically assaulted K-Mart's mom. He just told her her son was a punk, which may or may not be true. I'm not here to pass judgment. No, the Nuggets were clearly the better team and my hats go off to them. I'm still rooting against them though! Meanwhile, the Cavs look unstoppable. We must remember however that the teams they have played are not exactly, um... amazing. The Hawks rolled over almost as easily as the Pistons. Can anybody stop Lebron and his team?

SkitZ: Only that squad which I despise more than any other. While I don't see Cleveland having too much trouble with either the Celtics or Magic, their dominance throughout the playoffs could come to a screeching halt at the hands of one Kobe Bryant. I'll be praying like hell that L.A. experiences failure in the NBA Finals for the second year in a row but fear has definitely settled in the back corners of my mind.

Mavsy: I don't know though. As convincing as their victory in Game 5 was, that Game 4 Mothers' Day Massacre in Houston doesn't inspire much confidence, nor does their loss in Game 6. I honestly think the Nuggets would push LA to the limit. Would they beat them? Maybe. And I'd honestly look forward to Cavs-Nuggets more than Cavs-Lakers. I know Hustle would disagree...

SkitZ: Pfft. Fuck Hustle. He supports those in purple & gold and only fags wear those colors. It's a well known fact in today's society.

Mavsy: Purple & Gold = The colors of royalty. But that's not important. OK, I'm sick of thinking about how disappointing the Mavs are, which invariably comes up in my brain when we discuss the Playoffs. You ready to get to the main event?

SkitZ: The main event? I could have sworn we just started! Boy how the time flies. Is the scoreboard such a good idea? I mean with all due respect.... you suck.

Mavsy: It's now become a motivation tool. DaveyBoy commissioned me to beat your ass just as badly as he did. I have failed him so far, and that trend must be bucked. Put that bad boy up there!

SkitZ: If you say so....

Mavsy: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Intimidating, I know. Anyways, onwards and upwards to our first match of the night, which would just happen to be...

Mavsy: Poor ECW Title. It never gets much respect. Anyways, as we both predicted, Christian took the title off the young rookie at Backlash. Now, they fight again, this time with Christian defending. Thoughts?

SkitZ: Ugh.... again? I'm only assuming we're seeing a rematch here since their Backlash bout was pretty damn solid. Honestly, how often do we see the exact same ECW Title match on back to back pay per views? NEVER. Which makes me wonder if we're in for a surprise title change. Especially with all the Dreamer retiring this summer if he doesn't win the ECW Title nonsense. A Swagger/Dreamer bout seems logical but only if it's for the belt and takes place at Extreme Rules.

Mavsy: That's true, but I'm forced to ask: What's the point of Christian winning at Backlash if Swagger wins here? I'm starting to get really, really, REALLY, sick of all these short title reigns. It does not help Edge one bit when he wins the title one month and loses it the next over and over again. It gives the belt less credibility. I mean, if it's being passed around like a joint in a guitar circle, what value does the title have? It just seems like something that, if you wait long enough, you'll get a turn to parade around with. I hate that the WWE are even making me think about a title change here because the situation you outlined is entirely possible.

SkitZ: First off, damn you for using my Edgykins as an example built on negativity. And secondly, short title reigns are fine if used sparingly. Unfortunately, they seem to have become quite popular as of late and championship titles are coming quicker than male teenagers.

Mavsy: Despite the disturbing comparison, I'm glad you realize that we have a problem here and that Edge is the perfect poster boy for said problem. But I digress. Tommy Dreamer may well be the wild card in this match. However, given the few pushes he's ever received in the WWE and the fact that he may not actually retire soon anyways, I can't let him play a factor in my decision. And really, I see Christian being the guy to lead ECW through the summer months. I'm open to any last arguments you might have defending poor Swagger.

SkitZ: Swagger has no fucking chance of regaining the ECW Title this Sunday. His fate is sealed. Now hand me a pair of pliers so I can rip that over sized tongue out of his mouth.

Mavsy: Swagger really needs to have a feud away from the title picture so he can grow a little more before he retakes the belt with a heaping helping of momentum. A feud with Evan Bourne might be nice, but I think Bourne might be tied up with Tyson Kidd right now. Don't hold me to that though. I don't really watch ECW and I can't be bothered to look it up.

SkitZ: Yeah I get the feeling you're relying on those ECW results posted on the LOP Main Page. In any case, Christian will walk out of Chicago still ECW Champ because I said so. Dude's only had the belt for like three weeks. And get the guy something that looks at least a tad proportional to his body! Mark Henry lost the title back in September FYI.

Mavsy: ...And that concludes SkittleZ' fun fact of the day! Maybe next time we'll find out who won the belt from Henry! How fun!

SkitZ: I hate you with every fiber of my being, Texan.

Mavsy: Because I'm clearly your superior. It happens. Anyways, let's move on to the next match, which I believe is...

SkitZ: I like what we've seen thus far. Buckets of LOPers have been dissing the match-up out of fear that Umaga and Punk's opposing styles won't mesh well but I call bullshit. Despite multiple injuries, the Samoan Bulldozer is quick and agile for his chunky frame. Punk can work well with most of WWE's big men. His offense just tends to suffer a little like any midget would in a David versus Goliath confrontation.

Mavsy: I was never really worried about the match quality here. Both men have proven to be adept when it comes to wrestling, even if they aren't spectacular. This match won't be terrific, but it won't suck either. "Average to good" are probably the best words to describe what this match's quality will be. Regardless of the quality, I'm just happy to see Umaga back. With the proper build, the guy can be a machine, as shown during the climax of his career (to date at least) that occurred with his feud against John Cena. Injuries have plagued the Samoan Bulldozer recently, so hopefully he is around for a lengthy duration this time. Meanwhile, Punk is still enjoying the aftermath of his win in the MITB ladder match at WrestleMania 25, and has teased cashing in the briefcase a couple of times. Could we see him actually cash in on Sunday?

SkitZ: Well of course we could.... but I don't see it happening at Judgment Day whatsoever. While I'd never completely rule it out, I couldn't see the cash-in being much of a "surprise" with Punk attempting to do so on SmackDown three consecutive weeks. It'd just appear too obvious in my opinion and would be somewhat of a waste. Umaga/Punk should be a solid bout if anything with Cookie Monster hitting little spurts of offense before being squashed in midair like a bug on a car windshield. You dig, Mavsy?

Mavsy: Umm... word dawg? Never mind. Yeah, I really don't see CM Punk cashing in at Judgment Day, but I've been wrong before (numerous times). I'm really an advocate of creating a buzz and a build up around the MITB cash-in. I would love to see Punk wait until 2010 to take his title shot. Although I do seem to recall you at some point calling Punk to cash in in front of his hometown crowd at... what was the occasion? Oh, right, Judgment Day! You're a flip-flopper!

SkitZ: Stuff it, minor. And you're a few screws loose if you think Punk can hold off until next year. NO WAY IN HELL. Survivor Series perhaps? Now we're talking some sense. By the way, who have you got winning this tango?

Mavsy: I only said I wanted Punk to wait until next year, not that I think it's going to happen. Anyways, Punk is coming off a loss to Kane at Backlash and Umaga could really use a win in his first match back. That makes this match rather hard for me to predict. Seeing that Umaga has continually gotten the best of CM Punk in recent weeks, I'm calling for CM Punk to "shock the world" by scoring a "fluke" victory over Umaga, maybe by count-out or DQ. Umaga should still be kept looking strong though.

SkitZ: Ah going for the hometown boy, eh? Not a bad choice. However I'm siding with Umaga to win impressively in front of the Chicago crowd. Not saying that I don't see it being competitive. I just believe with Umaga taking part in his first relevant feud since returning to the company, he should be put over convincingly. A count out or DQ finish isn't out of the question either.

Mavsy: Well yes, that's kind of why it was a hard decision. But if Punk is supposed to be a credible threat to the title (and he did pin Edge cleanly on a recent Smackdown), I can't see him losing at two straight PPVs. I have a sneaking suspicion this one may come back to haunt me, but I'm sticking with my pick.

SkitZ: Meh. Punk can pick up a victory over Umaga at Extreme Rules AKA Night of Extreme AKA One Night Stand. WrestleMania isn't the only pay per view with several different aliases!

Mavsy: I hate it when you're right. Sigh. I'm still not changing though; maybe stubbornness is my fatal flaw. Anyways, what's next?

SkitZ: A contest which I'm definitely looking forward to a ton. Admittedly, a little less now that I hear Rey Rey is hobbling around arenas. Nonetheless, he should still be able to put forth a sensational bout with Chris Jericho. And if the Mexican Jumping Bean is that banged up, Y2J can simply bully him a little more than usual this Sunday.

Mavsy: There is no question in my mind that Jericho is the top heel wrestler in the WWE, including Edge and Orton. His mic work is second to none, he has great ring psychology, and people legitimately hate him. Say what you will about Mysterio, but he is over as a face, especially with the kids. If reports about Mysterio's injury hadn't surfaced, I would be expecting a very good match. Now, I'm not really sure what to expect.

SkitZ: Well Mysterio is no stranger to injury. Fuck knows how many leg surgeries he's gone through. Therefore, enduring pain is nothing new to Rey Rey. We may not see as many high flying moves or dazzling counters but it should still be one of the best matches of the night. Mysterio doesn't have a serious injury to one particular body part. Rather he's only banged up from a physical match on SmackDown. I don't see it affecting the match too negatively.

Mavsy: Hopefully it won't. As far as the outcome goes, I'm leaning towards Mysterio to retain the title, perhaps by a DQ that would play into Jericho's "hating the refs" angle that is currently ongoing. Jericho would be better off working up to a title win in my opinion. Hell, I'd even argue that he's above the Intercontinental title and that this is just a "transition" feud of sorts until a good opportunity arises in the main event. If Jeff Hardy sticks around long enough, I'd love to see a Hardy-Jericho feud.

SkitZ: Who wouldn't? I will flat out say that Jericho is above the Intercontinental Championship which is exactly why I don't see him defeating Mysterio this Sunday. By some miracle, Rey Rey will steal a victory to retain his title. Y2J is coming off back to back successes at WM25 and Backlash thus a fluke loss here doesn't set him back at all. Besides, Jericho will exact his revenge in a gimmick match three weeks from now.

Mavsy: A gimmick match for the IC title? I thought he was above it?

SkitZ: Non-title, bitch. Or Rey Rey drops the belt before then. Don't question my methods!

Mavsy: Oh, but I am and I will continue to do so. I grow tired of this. We both have Mysterio winning. Are there any further points that need to be made?

SkitZ: Yes.... you blow worse at this PPV predicting than I do! Heh this is fucking awesome.

Mavsy: Sigh... your immaturity knows no bounds. Next up on the agenda we have...

SkitZ: LAME. I can't wait until this is over and done with. Mostly because there is no real payoff here. We all knows how this ends, don't we? The mighty Cena gives it one more heroic attempt before ultimately falling to the massive giant in a fierce battle. This match is most likely going to suck balls and we could end up seeing something similar to HBK/Orton from Judgment Day 2007. A one sided affair with no happy ending where our (supposed) beloved superstar is put out of commission indefinitely.

Mavsy: Put out of commission indefinitely? That's a little strong. But yes, if Cena wins this match he will have the IWC up in arms by proving that his "Superman" nickname is apt and fitting. From a logical sense, there is no way Cena can beat the Big Show after his "injury" and the subsequent beat downs he has received. So naturally, that means nothing since the WWE rarely adheres to logic. There seems to be a common theme at Judgment Day; many of the matches have the potential to become rematches at Extreme Rules (or whatever they call it). This match will likely be one of those matches and if that is to happen, I think it is most logical for Big Show to win. There I go with logic again...

SkitZ: Don't worry, Mavsy. Go ahead and call me a hypocrite because I'm doing a 180 after realizing the number of heels likely to win at Judgment Day. Yes TBS should come out on top for several reasons however Cena has gotten his ass beat every week since Backlash and he seemed super confident during his interview on RAW. So I think Big Show dominates this match with Cena gritting out a victory in the end courtesy of a Herculean effort. Not to mention TBS never receives huge wins over any of WWE's top stars at big events. I've done my research.

Mavsy: Gah! I hate my logical brain. I just can't bring myself to pick Cena here. The face-heel dynamic actually isn't too bad at this PPV. I have an even number of faces and heels winning, so that doesn't play a factor in my decision. Big Show did strike first in the feud by chokeslamming Cena into the light, so it does kind of seem like it's Cena's turn to strike back, especially after weeks of getting his ass kicked. But I just can't see it happening. The only image I get in my head is of Cena going for the F... I mean Attitude Adjustment, not being able to hoist The Big Show up, and being hit with a chokeslam for his troubles. This is definitely my hardest decision of the night, but I'm going with The Big Show to score the upset that's not really an upset because on paper he should win, but it's still an upset because it's Cena, victory.

SkitZ: Oh you will pay dearly for that one, Mavsy. Never underestimate the one they call SuperCena. Although I'm not too sure how invincible Cena is considering his booking over the last year.

Mavsy: Is that a smidgen of doubt I detect?

SkitZ: Psh hardly my southern amigo. Now bring on the next match before I lose interest and RKO punt my dog in the skull!

Mavsy: You would RKO punt your dog? That's just wrong...

Mavsy: Jeff Hardy finally got the best of his brother at Backlash, ending the feud with a brutal victory. Hardy used that momentum to jump right back into the title picture, winning a fatal four way elimination match to earn the #1 contender's spot. Edge is still keeping his champion one PPV, former champion the next pattern alive after defeating Cena at Backlash. I think the biggest question in this match is whether or not Edge can hold onto the title for more than a month.

SkitZ: ... I'm standing right next to you dammit! Listen I've been trying to tell anyone who will listen lately that the mood is about to change. Much like Orton on RAW, Edge is in position to reign over SmackDown as World Heavyweight Champion until at least SummerSlam. Everyone else on the blue brand are tied up with other shenanigans. It's terribly obvious that Jeff isn't winning another World Title now. The company is more or less enticing Hardy with these type of high profile matches to urge the guy to renew his contract.

Mavsy: They're trying to get him to stay by making him Edge's bitch? That hardly seems like a winning strategy to me. Joking aside, I see your point. I too want to see Edge reign until at least SummerSlam. These short reigns do nothing to help his standing as a wrestler. As far as match quality goes here, it should be a good match. I don't think these two will pull out a great match here, but the potential is there. However, the result seems pretty clear. If Hardy is getting ready to pack up his bags, it makes no sense to put the title on him. Edge will score the pinfall here.

SkitZ: Hell yes! That's the spirit, Mavsy. Jeff and Edge put together an outstanding match at the Rumble in January so there's no reason why they can't duplicate said effort this Sunday. I'm of course picking my Edgykins to retain at Judgment Day with some dirty tactics. The bout itself should realistically be given over 18 minutes and the excitement will be top notch. Since Mysterio is bruised and battered, this could receive the nod as match of the night.

Mavsy: It could, but that Rumble match was helped by the No DQ stipulation. Everybody knows Jeff is at his best in an extreme environment, and Edge is also known for his hardcore aptitude. I'm looking forward to seeing what these two do to try and top their Royal Rumble bout, without weapons or interference.

SkitZ: Well said. Given his previous eight World Title reigns, I'm always a tad skeptical about how long the next one will be. Knowing Edge and the way he's booked, Copeland could lose the belt at any time and any place. The odds are stacked in his favor though over the course of the upcoming summer so I'm praying like hell Edge clings to that thing like an infant breastfeeding.

Mavsy: Your similes make me want to send you to seek psychiatric help... So we both have Edge FTW?

SkitZ: Awww... that's cute what you did there. And indeed we do.

Mavsy: I guess that leaves us with...

SkitZ: I don't mind this feud for multiple reasons. 1) Orton isn't facing Triple H for the 63rd time over the last 5 years. 2) It's a fresh program for the most part. And 3) There's a tremendous back story with Batista's injury last December and their Evolution days. The only glaring weakness here is the outcome because it's too damn predictable.

Mavsy: Yeah, Orton will get the win here. The main thing I want to see come out of this feud is Batista joining up with Orton. I think the seeds were planted for a Batista heel turn this past Monday when Orton offered Batista a spot in Legacy. At some point, I really hope that alliance comes to fruition. Batista is starting to bore me as a face. A heel turn where he could hide some of his weaknesses behind Orton is very appealing to me. At Judgment Day, I would love to see this possibility teased further, especially with the rumors of a pending HHH return.

SkitZ: I wouldn't mind the Animal turning heel either but why go that route when Orton already has his own mini stable? One key figure that's bound to play a pivotal role in this match is The Game as I've heard he's rumored to return at Judgment Day or the night after. Hunter accidentally costing Bats the title makes perfect sense and could lead to a three way feud between former Evolution members.

Mavsy: That would be a great direction for this feud to turn. If Batista does join Legacy, I could see him kicking Dibiase out to spur the young wrestler's face turn. Dibiase could then team up with The Game or another Raw face. Isn't it sad that, even though he is "injured", HHH still plays a prominent role when discussing the WWE title scene?

SkitZ: It's nauseating.... but no surprise when we're talking about Triple H (take that, Mazzaball!). As long as the storylines are solid and the title isn't put back around Hunter's waist, I'll be happy. But in retrospect, when has anyone ever given a damn about what pleases me?

Mavsy: *Awkward silence fills the column*. Stop killing the column SkittleZ! Anyways, in another recurring theme for Backlash, I'm expecting this match to be solid, and nothing more. Legacy and HHH have to be expected to play heavy roles in the outcome, but Orton will stand tall at the end of the night, winning the match and retaining the title.

SkitZ: Agreed. If Bats really does plan on retiring next year, he'll be granted probably one last World Championship reign although I doubt it comes anytime soon. Orton is the guy to run with for now on RAW. Allow the Legend Killer to carry the WWE Title throughout the summer and maybe into a feud with MVP or Kennedy. But yeah as for this match, Orton walks out with the belt one way or another.

Mavsy: Will you be watching Judgment Day?

SkitZ: Nah. I've been running up the cable bill as of late and I'm trying to save up before vacation time so I'll be catching a stream online. You're a conservative fellow so I'm guessing you won't be tuning in for the PPV?

Mavsy: No, I won't be. Although I might tune in for Extreme Rules. I love me some hardcore matches.

SkitZ: Preach it, brother! Alright now stop attempting to make small talk with me. I'm tired and I know you hate my guts with a burning passion. Bow down before me and take your leave of absence, redneck.

Mavsy: Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Why would anyone ever put you in charge of the main page?

SkitZ: Er... no comment. Later homies!

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ForTheWinLOP@gmail.com

[Hustle]

I want you banned.

[Kano]

Originally Posted by Hustle

I want you banned.

Noone cares what a Cena mark has to say or think.

Skitz and Mavys, this was awesome, well done.

[Hustle]

I want you banned, too.

[Kano]

Originally Posted by Hustle

I want you banned, too.

Well your not a mod, so theres nothing you can do about it

[Box Car Rocco]

All I have to say is....

Owned by Jericho/Benjamin!!!!

[Stryder]

good stuff as always fellas. I kinda skipped over the first little portion as over in little old England basketball is pretty much obsolete. However once the prediction bit got going I was, as always, entertained. I have to say I’m not overly excite for Judgement Day, other than Punk/Umaga and Edge/Hardy the card is, well meh for me. I would rather see any combination of MVP, Morrison, TBK and Shelton on the PPV than Christian/Swagger again, they could have had a rematch on ECW unless as you stated they are setting up Swagger/Dreamer for ONS/Night of Extreme etc etc.

Orton…. Were to start, before mania I was a fan of his work hugely, now I don’t know weather its super Shanes involvement in the feud and complete dominance over legacy or the complete lack of Orton being a “ bad ass” and punting people left, right and centre and handcuffing people and kissing their wives but I just feel he has lost all momentum and therefore my interest in him. I hate Batista.

I had better stop before this almost turns into a column. Once again, top work as always.

EDIT: it would appear Benjamin/Morrison has been added to the PPV... guess i can stop my bitching now

[Martin Riggs]

Mavsy, when you gonna ditch this deadbeat and move out on your own?

Nice, gentlemen. Let's see if we can get some of these right this time.

Oh, and GO CAVS!

[Super Chrisss]

How the hell was this booted off the main page? FTW is one of my fav Main Page columns, after TMR and HIPRN of course (no suck-up). Great job as usual guys!

[Leonard]

Hey guys. Just wanted to stop by and say that I enjoyed reading this. I think I've said it before, but the two of you have a very naturally flowing banter that I really appreciate. Nothing in this column seemed labored. Good work, fellas...read you next time.

--Leonard