Yes, there are still better than six weeks left to 2011. I'm well aware that countless unexpected events can transpire in this span of time, particularly in the realm of World Wrestling Entertainment. But there's no harm in gazing into the crystal ball and making an attempt to forecast what future twists and turns lie ahead for the company in 2012.
Now certain angles may enable some to make fairly tame predictions. Vince McMahon and company do lay certain things out in black and white for all to see coming. However, I've taken it upon myself to think outside the box a little and make a few "bold" predictions and see how my assumptions fare in the year to come.
So how will things unfold in 2012?
1. In addition to the already announced Mil Mascaras, The WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be headlined by the likes of Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Demolition, Edge (in light of his unexpected retirement), The Rock (in light of his participation at the event, and at long last, the late, great "Macho Man" Randy Savage.
2. After five years of progressively losing support, a jaded John Cena will decide that he's tired of competing for the Babyface spotlight on RAW with Rey Mysterio before making his long-awaited heel turn by turning on Mysterio in tag action and shunning his remaining followers. The betrayal will lead to a months-long feud culminating at Summerslam with both men's jobs on the line. Naturally, Cena will play the role of monster heel and end the legendary luchador's storied career.
3. In the second 40-man contest, CM Punk will be the winner of the 2012 Royal Rumble. Surprise entrants will include Papa Shango, Steve Blackman, MVP and Gregory Iron.
4. The Hardcore Title and the infamous 24/7 rule will both be reinstated. The first new champion will be crowned in Chicago at WWE Extreme Rules.
5. The WWE Championship will be revamped to a polished version of its classic "Eagle" design.
6. The latest superstar to tackle the streak at Wrestlemania will be none other than Chris Jericho.
7. After the shortcomings of WWE's Fatal Four-Way and Capitol Punishment PPV's, King of The Ring will make its triumphant return to pay-per-view in June for the first time in a decade. Ted DiBiase will take the crown and as such receive a title shot at Summerslam.
8. Daniel Bryan will indeed cash in his briefcase at Wrestlemania...against Wade Barrett. And win.
9. John Morrison will finally find his way out of the corporate doghouse and win the WWE Championship.
10. Kharma will return as the third axel to Beth Phoenix and Natalya's "Diva Demolition Machine" bent on the eradication of the worst of their division.
11. The permanent RAW General Manager spot will be relinquished by John Laurinaitis to JBL.
12. In addition to the contest between The Rock and John Cena, Rumble winner CM Punk will challenge WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio and World Champion Sheamus will defend against both Randy Orton and Wade Barrett. Barrett will triumph, but his reign will be short-lived (see #8).
13. Vickie Guerrero will attempt to extend her clientele beyond Ziggler and Swagger. The outreach program will help the ignored talents, such as Curt Hawkins, Tyler Reks and Drew McIntyre as well as returning talents, such as Husky Harris and Skip Sheffield, get some much needed in-ring exposure. Sheffield, in particular, will prove an asset to Vickie in providing a challenge for Mason Ryan.
14. For the first time in fifteen years, a double turn will occur at Wrestlemania.
15. The Money In The Bank Briefcases will go to John Morrison (RAW) and Cody Rhodes (Smackdown).
16. Through the combined efforts of the WWE Network and the continued creative leadership of Jeff Jarrett, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, Impact's ratings will continue to plummet. This will result in no fewer than five TNA mainstays jumping ship by the end of the year.
17. Kane and The Undertaker will both wrestle their final match in a WWE ring.
18. The Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero and the former Claudio Castagnoli) will win the WWE Tag Team Championships.
19. At WWE Over The Limit, Mike Adamle's only good idea will be put into place as both the WWE Championship and World Championship will be contested under Championship Scramble rules.
20. For the first time since 1990, neither World Title will be defended at Survivor Series and the night will instead consist of five traditional 4-on-4 elimination matches and a final Survivor Series Showdown match to conclude the evening.
21. Either Mark Henry (during his title reign) or Brodus Clay will reintroduce the infamous King Kong Bundy "5-count".
22. CM Punk will get his wish as WWE brings back its beloved Ice Cream Bars. The 16 available characters will include Punk, John Cena, Alberto Del Rio, Randy Orton, Zack Ryder, Cody Rhodes, The Awesome Truth (as a team), Sheamus, Mark Henry, Kofi Kingston, Rey Mysterio, John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler, Christian, The Big Show and Triple H.
23. Five Words: The Brother Love Show returns....
24. WWE and iTunes will release Anthology II. Tracks available for download (and commemorative CD purchase) will feature four chapters of previously un-released themes from the Federation Era, Attitude Era, "E" era and fans' favorite themes from the last decade since the release of the previous Anthology I.
25. After another failed senate bid, Linda McMahon and the remaining McMahon clan will resolve to do away with the PG label and gather up some of the fanbase that they've lost with what will be billed as an "Attitude Renaissance". Changes will take effect January 2013.
Will ANY of this take place? Likely not. But it's worth it to go out on a limb and
take a stab at the probability of what the folks in Stamford, CT have in store for their ever-loyal fanbase. In all likelihood, there will be a fair share of angles we love, and obviously more than a few that we hate and that some will rage about for the better part of the year. All that we, the fans are left to do is roll the dice, make our assumptions and enjoy the ride.
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