The Steel Cage

World Title: Chris Jericho vs. Batista. I see Batista crowned new champion here, for several reasons:

1. The wild-card of the special referee (likely to be either Shawn Michaels or Stone Cold -- I'll guess Stone Cold) gives them an easy out for Jericho to lose. One way or another, I see HBK costing Jericho the title (can't you just see HBK running down and Austin simply turning his back so he won't see the interference?).

2. Batista has nof officially become the "guy who we put in the title match at the PPV when we want the champion to retain," and he needs the belt to maintain his level in the fan's eyes.

3. The rumors of Batista's unhappiness behind the scenes.

4. With Cena coming back at some point, why not put the title on Batista, so their return match from SummerSlam can be Cena winning the title? Perhaps a Mania match?

5. HBK costing Jericho the title would add some sizzle to what's already been the feud of the year (from what I hear). The babyface always wins in the end -- that's the rule -- and Jericho's in front right now. They WON'T put the title on Michaels (would be a terrible business decision) so switching to Batista makes all the sense in the world.

6. Unless I'm remembering wrong, fan's voting in a World or WWE title match at Cyber Sunday has never led to a title switch. I don't know about you, but if I'm spending my money on something as stupid as voting for a match stipulation, it might be nice to get a payoff every once in a while.

Right there are SIX logical reasons for doing a title switch, with something to help everyone involved. Vince and company have never let logic stand in their way before, but given the situation, I'd say Batista as champion is a pretty safe bet.

But I've been wrong before ...

WWE Title: Triple H vs. some combination of Jeff Hardy and/or Vladimir Kozlov. WWE has been trying their darndest to get fans to pick the singles match with Kozlov, but given Jeff's popularity and given the fans wanting the most bang for their buck, I'd say we get the Triple Threat match.

I could see them putting the title on the hot new heel Kozlov, perhaps even with him picking up a quick pin on Hardy to set up the inevitable return match with HHH. But my prediction (and I think the most logical thing) is some sort of schmozz ending -- DQ or something - to set up a future match with HHH and Kozlov. Think about it -- the rivalry has just begun. Why use all your weapons in the first match? The appeal to this match will just be seeing them finally in the ring together in some way, shape or form. EVen if you do a schmozz, you can end the show with Batista/Jericho or one of the other title matches to get your clean finish happy ending.

What would I do? I'd do a Triple Threat and have Kozlov come very close on several occasions. Then I'd have HHH pick up the win by pinning Jeff, so Kozlov has the out that he could have won it, and that HHH never beat him.

That's the formula -- the first showdown alone will sell the first match. The title switch is the second match. Why combine em into one and leave money on the table? Then the babyface comeback win is the third match.

I'm rambling a lot this month, aren't I? On we go ...

Undertaker vs. Big Show. The fans will choose the Knockout Match as a return from last month's finish. I see Taker going over in a feel-good moment for the fans, though the feud can continue because there's no pinfall or submission. That's why B.S. matches like knockout matches, casket matches, Last Man Standing, etc, are so great -- they give the illusion of a bigtime match without actually giving you a finish.

Kane vs. Rey Mysterio. No idea what the fans will pick but I can see Kane getting a decisive victory, perhaps even doing some sort of injury storyline to keep this thing going so Mysterio can ultimately prevail.

ECW Title: Matt Hardy vs. someone. Please don't think this is my own personal bias against the ECW Title -- the WWE web site itself lists this match fifth on the PPV page. Though I will agree with them that this title means little. I see Matt retaining against Mark Henry.

US Title: Shelton Benjamin will lose the title to R-Truth, and Shelton's out (to set up return matches) will be that he didn't know who his opponent was gonna be. Though because this match is on WWE.com instead of the PPV, I could also see Shelton retaining (though my official prediction is the switch).

IC Title: Santino retains against Piper.

Tag Match: The match with the girls wins, and Mickie James gets pinned to set up future Women's Title matches against Layla.

Halloween Costume Match: Don't care.

Enjoy the show.