Predictions for tonight's WWE pay-per-view:
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker: The Undertaker extending his undefeated streak at WrestleMania is pretty much a given every year, but WWE has done a tremendous job this time of creating doubt as to who is going to win. The reason for that doubt is the stipulation that Michaels has to retire if he loses. No matter how this turns out, Michaels – "Mr. WrestleMania" – is going to have yet another unforgettable WrestleMania moment to add to his resume. I don't think that moment will be Michaels putting a blemish on The Undertaker's 17-0 WrestleMania record. I believe Michaels will lose in another thriller and there will be 70,000 people chanting "Thank you, Shawn" as he makes his way to the back for the final time (maybe). One scenario I've thought about and others have suggested is that Triple H will interfere and cost Michaels the match. That way, The Undertaker's streak would stay intact, Michaels would have a legitimate reason to come out of retirement – to seek revenge on his former best friend – and Triple H would have mega-heat. Triple H making his presence felt in this match also would explain why he is not involved in one of the top matches on the show this year. It all makes sense, but I don't know if WWE would want to do a screwjob ending for a match this big.Bret Hart vs. Vince McMahon in a No Holds Barred Match: It will be very interesting to see if Hart, 52, and McMahon, 64, can pull this off. If people are expecting a vintage "Hitman" performance, they're probably going to be disappointed, but the fact that it's an anything goes match should help cover for whatever physical limitations they have. It's too bad that WWE has banned blading, because this is a match that could use some color to add to the drama. I will be shocked if this match ends with anything other than McMahon tapping out to The Sharpshooter.
WWE champion Batista vs. John Cena: Batista has been getting the better of Cena in the buildup to this match, so I expect Cena to rise up and take the title. Batista won their first meeting two years ago at SummerSlam, so it seems logical that Cena wins this one, setting up a gimmick match between the two next month at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view.
World heavyweight champion Chris Jericho vs. Edge: WWE has always seemed to view Jericho as a transitional champion, and Edge coming back early from an injury, winning the Royal Rumble and capturing the title at WrestleMania is a good story. I certainly could see that happening. However, I just have a feeling that Jericho is going to somehow steal a victory.
CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio: The stipulation is that Mysterio has to join Punk's Straight Edge Society if he loses. The program between these two is just getting started, so I think Punk will win and Mysterio will become a reluctant SES member. This has the potential to be a really good match if they are given enough time.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match (Shelton Benjamin, Evan Bourne, Christian, Matt Hardy, Kane, Kofi Kingston, Drew McIntyre, MVP, Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler): Benjamin, Bourne and Kingston will do some crazy spots, but none of those guys will win. I'd love to see Swagger or Ziggler come out on top, but I don't see that happening either. Ditto for Kane, Hardy and MVP. So that leaves either Christian or McIntyre. Christian's work has been top-notch since his return to WWE and he certainly is worthy of a more prominent role, but the word on him has always been that Vince McMahon just doesn't see him as anything special. Conversely, McIntyre is McMahon's chosen one, and that is why he will leave the ring with the briefcase.
Sheamus vs. Triple H: It's no secret that Triple H is a supporter of Sheamus behind the scenes, so does that mean he will put the upstart over on the grand stage? I doubt it. I'm going with Triple H.
Ted DiBiase Jr. vs. Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes: A win by DiBiase or Rhodes would be a huge career boost, but I'm going with the obvious and picking Orton to win. I think DiBiase and Rhodes will work together at first, but their alliance won't last and Orton will take advantage to secure the victory. There also is a chance we might see some twists and turns in this match – perhaps DiBiase going babyface and Orton going back to full-fledged heel – but I think it makes more sense going forward for Orton to be a babyface with heel traits.
WWE unified tag team champions The Miz and The Big Show vs. John Morrison and R-Truth: The Big Show has been in some high-profile matches at WrestleMania, but his record at the event is 1-8. He'll get win No. 2 tonight.
Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim, Beth Phoenix and Eve Torres vs. Alicia Fox, Vickie Guerrero, Layla, Maryse, and Michelle McCool: With 10 matches on the card, this one will probably be given just a few minutes. It will be interesting to see what role Guerrero will play. I think the babyfaces will win, with Phoenix making the pin on WWE women's champion McCool.